chapter645
The mention of Leopold sent a jolt of tension through Thalassa. Under Lysander’s penetrating gaze, she felt the air in the room turn cold.
Lysander rose from his chair and walked around the desk, his presence expanding until it filled her entire field of vision. Instinctively, Thalassa stepped back until she was near the wall. He didn't stop until he was standing directly in front of her, his gaze locking onto hers with a fierce intensity.
“Do you want this shipment to succeed, or are you hoping for a failure that benefits Leopold’s penalty clauses?” he asked, his voice low and challenging.
The question was a trap. Thalassa chose her words carefully. “As a professional, I want the contract fulfilled. Success builds a future; penalties are just a temporary fix. I’m here to ensure the Crawley Group delivers on its promise.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop further. Lysander’s eyes glinted with a mix of professional skepticism and a deeper, more personal frustration.
“You speak of futures,” he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Yet you seem to forget the warnings I’ve given you regarding your associations.”
“There is nothing between me and Leopold beyond business,” Thalassa countered, her own resolve hardening despite the overwhelming pressure he exerted.
The air between them crackled with an unspoken conflict. For a moment, the professional veneer nearly shattered, replaced by the raw friction of two people who shared a complex, unresolved history. Lysander stared at her, his gaze sweeping over her face with a mixture of disdain and a reluctant, sharp focus.
“Professionalism is easily claimed,” he remarked, finally stepping back to reclaim the space. “But results are the only truth I accept. If you want this deal, prove that your loyalty is to the project and nothing else.”
Thalassa took a ragged breath, the weight of the encounter leaving her drained. She realized that this wasn't just a negotiation for smartphones; it was a battle of wills where the stakes were far higher than a monthly salary.