Alexander didn't look up.

His focus was entirely on the papers spread across his desk.

He dismissed her request without a second thought. "That's not going to happen."

Amelia's confident smile vanished.

A worried frown creased her forehead. "You didn't even check your calendar. How can you be so sure you're busy?"

He cut her off, his voice icy. "I am always busy for you."

Humiliation washed over her.

She balled her hands into fists at her sides. "Mr. Blackwood, this is excessively rude. Is this any way to treat a member of the Sterling family?"

Alexander offered no reply.

Amelia took a sharp breath, her tone turning grave. "If you persist with this attitude, it will jeopardize the alliance between Sterling Group and Aethelgard Industries. You do understand my brother only proposed this deal to secure treatment for my heart?"

He remained completely unfazed.

Finally, he lifted his gaze.

His eyes were like chips of ice, boring into her. His voice was deceptively soft, yet each word carried a deadly chill. "Miss Sterling, let this be your last warning. Know your place. Stop trying to insert yourself into my life. I've made it clear—I am a married man. My wife and I are inseparable."

Amelia stared at him, stunned.

She tried to speak, but he gave her no opportunity.

His voice dropped even lower, more dangerous. "If you ever attempt something like this again, I will not hesitate to have you physically removed from this building. In front of everyone."

His words hit her like a physical blow.

She stood frozen, her cheeks flaming with mortification.

Tears welled in her eyes, glittering with unshed anger and hurt. She gritted her teeth. "You... You're such a jerk!"

The tears finally spilled over.

She whirled around and fled the office, her hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Once the sound faded, Sebastian dared to emerge from his hiding spot in the corner.

He peered cautiously out the door, ensuring the coast was clear.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you're frightened of her?"

Sebastian quickly closed the door.

He turned to Alexander with a solemn expression. "Who in this city isn't afraid of Amelia Sterling? She's the notoriously pampered daughter of the Sterling family. I'd rather face my parents' wrath than cross her."

Leaning against the desk, Sebastian continued. "Her family prefers to stay out of the spotlight, and she hasn't truly unleashed her potential for chaos... yet. But if she ever does, the fallout would be unimaginable."

Alexander let out a cold, dismissive snort. "You're being overly dramatic."

Sebastian dropped into the seat next to him. He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the polished table surface. "Am I? The way you shut her down was brutal. Absolutely frigid."

He shot Alexander an impressed look and gave a thumbs-up. "Seriously, man. I have to respect that level of ruthlessness."

Alexander's tone was flat and pragmatic. "Amelia Sterling has her own motives. Giving her even an inch of encouragement would only fuel her persistence. Maintaining clear boundaries is the only logical way to prevent complications."

Sebastian arched an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, I get it. So all that softness is reserved for one person only. Your wife."

He paused for a beat, then added with a chuckle. "Oh, and your grandmother, of course. Can't forget about Eleanor."

Alexander's expression didn't flicker. "I am a married man. That entails keeping appropriate distance from other women. I have no desire to give Evelyn a reason to be upset."