All Chapters of Rivals to Lovers: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

The event was held in a cocktail reception format, arranged by the Secretary Ivy in coordination with Ridley Corporation. Ridley reserved quite a few seats, so in addition to the six departmental heads attending the meeting that day, two to three manager-level personnel from each department were also included.Ridley sent over more than ten representatives as well.In Lena's project development and management division, managers from the Design and Planning Department and the Cost Control Department were present. Representing the Cost Control Department was a supervisor from the Procurement Department—a man Lena recognized. He had accompanied her during the negotiations with Door Appliances, and his performance that day was commendable. He had even stepped in to shield her from drinking during toasts, although the representative from Door Appliances eventually insisted she drink. Despite that, Lena had a decent impression of Gary, as he had also participated in team-building activities

The crowd’s attention zeroed in on the waiter and the manager.The manager, startled by the sudden turn of events, flushed red and pale in quick succession. Waving his hands defensively, he stammered, “I’m really here to resolve the issue, not to divert attention or help anyone escape!”Though clearly rattled, he stayed rooted to his spot. Alaric’s gaze shifted past him, locking onto the waiter. “What are you so nervous about?” he asked coldly.The waiter’s face turned ashen, and he seemed unable to form a single word.“He’s probably just scared,” the manager quickly interjected, his eyes darting toward the waiter in a silent plea for him to speak up. The intensity of his stare made it seem like his eyes might pop out.When the waiter remained silent, Alaric motioned for Iris to continue what she had left unsaid. She glanced around, clearly hesitant, before taking a deep breath. “I’m not sure if I saw it wrong, but after he bumped into me, he deliberately adjuste

Lena shivered slightly, as if this man had stripped her bare with his gaze.Her unease eased a little when a large, warm hand patted her shoulder. She felt Alaric’s chest trembling with anger. “Fabricating or spreading false claims that harm a colleague’s reputation is something our company absolutely will not tolerate. Expect a lawyer’s letter soon.”“Let go… Let go of me… You think you can shut me up with power? Mr. Ridley knows better than anyone whether they know each other or not!” Gary’s gaze at Keaton was like grasping at a final straw.Alaric’s bodyguards could have dragged him away effortlessly, but they couldn’t risk causing visible injuries in front of so many witnesses, especially with the police on their way. Their primary responsibility was to ensure he didn’t harm anyone else.Keaton became the center of attention. He took his time, speaking unhurriedly. “You mean her?”Ignoring Alaric’s sharp glare, he scrutinized Lena’s face, tilting his head slightly. For Lena, those

As Lena’s figure disappeared, Fred could no longer keep his cool. He snatched up the stack of documents on the table. It wasn’t just a few sheets of paper—page after page revealed itself as he flipped through them, his face growing darker with every turn.He quickly made a call to HR, and by the time he hung up, his gaze was icy.Thud! A crumpled stack of papers slammed back onto the desk. Fred clenched his teeth. “Get Stellan in here. Immediately!”In his own room, Stellan had no idea what was brewing. He leisurely returned a watch he’d been admiring for ages to the safe. “What does he want with me this time? Ever since Dad went abroad, he’s been hounding me non-stop this month.”He muttered his complaints under his breath.Meanwhile, his assistant, crumbs still stuck to his lips, quickly wiped his mouth with a tissue and said cautiously, “Ms. Carrington left his office not long ago—”“Who did you say?” Stellan’s head snapped up, startling the assistant. Sta

The elevator wasn’t too far, but still a bit of a walk. She held her breath and focused her strength on her hand.“Lena.” A man’s voice called out, slightly breathless.Lena exhaled sharply, her tense expression softening. Her hand slipped out of her bag as she turned around swiftly, ready to give someone an earful—only to be met with Alaric’s face, taut with worry.Her movements paused, and she asked in confusion, “Where did you come from? And why are you so nervous? Did something major happen at the company?”His sharp eyes scanned her from head to toe. Once satisfied she was unharmed, Alaric finally spoke, though his brows still furrowed slightly. “Your phone was unreachable.”“Huh?” Lena looked at her phone, shaking it slightly. “Not sure why, but I wasn’t getting any signal earlier. You… came all the way here just for that?”“The banquet incident wasn’t that long ago, and you’re already bold enough to wander around alone?” His tone was stern, catching he