Alexander’s gaze shifted to the young woman beside Jonathan. “Amelia, this is the man I told you about—the founder of Aethelgard Industries, Mr. Blackwood.”

Amelia’s eyes sparkled with immediate fascination, her expression one of pure admiration. “So you’re the founder of Aethelgard Industries!”

She had heard endless tales about the secretive, immensely powerful billionaire behind the global tech giant—one of the most influential figures in all of Crestwood.

In her imagination, she had always pictured Alexander as an older man, perhaps with silvering hair and a portly build.

But reality had completely overturned her expectations. He wasn’t just young; he was devastatingly handsome.

Her interest intensified. She moved a step closer, her voice softening into a playful tone. “Mr. Blackwood, it’s such an honor to finally meet you. I’m Amelia Sterling, but please, call me Amelia, just like Jonathan does.”

She offered a charming smile and extended her hand, hoping for a warm handshake.

Alexander’s face remained an unreadable mask as he accepted the gesture with minimal contact. “Miss Sterling,” he acknowledged, his tone icy and detached.

He pointedly ignored her invitation to use her first name.

Moreover, the moment their hands touched, he withdrew almost instantly, as if the contact were a mere formality.

Amelia’s smile wavered for a split second. Had he really dismissed her so coldly?

It was just a handshake—was such obvious distance really necessary?

But she refused to be discouraged. She quickly masked her disappointment.

If anything, his aloofness only made him more intriguing. A man like this—distant, enigmatic, and seemingly immune to charm—was a rare challenge. That only made him more worth pursuing.

A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes. She tilted her head and smiled sweetly. “Mr. Blackwood, you’re far more handsome and refined than Jonathan.”

Alexander’s brow furrowed slightly before his expression smoothed over. His voice was steady. “Miss Sterling, this is our first meeting. Such a compliment is unnecessary.”

Then, glancing at Jonathan, he added lightly, “Besides, if you continue, Mr. Sterling might become jealous.”

With Aethelgard Industries and the Sterling Group on the verge of a major collaboration, Alexander had no intention of openly offending Amelia. Regardless of her forwardness, she was still the cherished daughter of the Sterling family.

Jonathan had been watching the exchange closely. Though inwardly annoyed by his sister’s behavior, he played along with Alexander’s remark, feigning offense. “Amelia, I’m standing right here. How could you say that in front of me?”

Amelia pouted playfully, though a trace of dissatisfaction lingered in her eyes.

The more Alexander kept his distance, the more determined she became to break through his defenses.

Men always fell for her charms—why should he be any different?

Her confidence only solidified her resolve.

An idea suddenly struck her, and she acted on impulse.

Reaching out, she placed a delicate hand on Alexander’s shoulder. “Since it’s our first meeting, shouldn’t we seal it with a friendly kiss on the cheek?”

Before Alexander or Jonathan could react, she rose onto her toes and leaned in toward his face.

But just as her lips were about to brush his cheek, a firm force yanked her backward.

She was pushed back to her original spot. Alexander’s grip on her arm was unyielding.

Shock flashed in her eyes, quickly turning to anger. She looked up to protest, but froze.

Alexander’s gaze was cold and piercing, sharp enough to cut through steel.

Her heart lurched. A strange fear crawled up her spine, making her instinctively step back. The dull ache from his grip was secondary to the intensity of his stare.

There was something terrifying in his eyes.

Jonathan, startled by the sudden shift, instinctively moved between them, shielding his sister.