Love's Wild Card

"Alex, any progress with the Jin Properties deal?" Jennifer walked into the office, addressing Alex who sat casually at his desk.

"Haven't met with him yet. Why?" Alex looked up at her questioningly.

"You must know it's Thursday already," Jennifer moved closer, concern evident in her voice. "If we don't reach an agreement by tomorrow, Jin will put it up for public auction. The property might be small, but there's a lot of interest. The price will skyrocket!"

"Actually, I'm counting on the auction," Alex smiled mysteriously. "I plan to attend." He had already devised a strategy to deal with that arrogant upstart. Time to make Jin pay dearly for his games.

"What? Alex, you can't be serious!" Jennifer exclaimed. Even their other colleagues turned to look at him, wondering what scheme he had in mind.

"You'll see when the time comes," Alex grinned. "I've already submitted my report to Mr. Han, outlining the company's bottom line."

"Star, you look awfully confident," Grace wheeled her chair over. "Got some inside information you're not sharing?"

"Inside information? Me?" Alex laughed. Then turning to Jennifer, he added, "Jennifer, once the auction is announced, get me a list of all participating companies and their CEOs' contact information. I want to assess our odds."

"Alright. But Alex, if it's not looking good, just let it go. Mr. Han will understand," Jennifer said worriedly.

"Now how could I do that?" Alex patted her head affectionately. "Who would look out for our sweet Jennifer then?" Her youthful innocence and quick wit had always made her one of his favorite colleagues.

"Thank you, Alex!" Jennifer beamed, not minding his familiar gesture. He'd always treated her like a little sister.

"I smell a scheme," Grace narrowed her eyes at Alex. Then suddenly remembering something, she turned to Emma Winter. "Emma, how's that surveillance mission I gave you going?"

"What mission?" Emma looked up from her work, puzzled.

"Don't tell me you forgot! The one about monitoring Alex!" Grace exclaimed suspiciously.

"Oh, that! How could I forget a task from you, Grace? But last night as soon as I got home, Alex closed his curtains—couldn't see anything. And he even sicced some troublemakers on me! Grace, you have to stand up for me!" Emma shot Alex an accusatory glance before turning to Grace with her complaint.

"Really, Alex? Closing curtains?" Grace jabbed his shoulder teasingly. "What are you hiding?"

"Well, excuse me for wanting privacy while changing clothes! Should I provide a show for the whole building?" Alex retorted irritably. "Besides, it was ten at night—who doesn't close their curtains then?" He cast a sidelong glance at Emma. *Those guys could have hassled her a bit more*, he thought vindictively.

"Who wants to watch you change?" Emma countered. "And what about getting those thugs to harass me?"

"Just some neighborly interaction. They didn't actually do anything to you—you're the one who threw glasses at them! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black," Alex spread his hands in mock innocence, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

"Alex Stone, you'd better watch out!" Emma glared daggers at him, having run out of comebacks.

"Alex, stop picking on Emma. She's under my protection now," Grace raised her fist in warning. "Keep bullying her and you'll answer to me!"

"Oh, I see—so it's like that between you two. Don't worry, I'm very open-minded. No judgment here!" Alex nodded with exaggerated understanding.

"You're asking for it!" Grace jumped up and caught him in a headlock, inadvertently pressing his face against her chest.

"Good news! Amazing news!" Rachel burst into the office breathlessly, practically bouncing with excitement like someone who'd just won the lottery.

"What is it?" Sarah looked up from her work, smiling at Rachel's enthusiasm.

"Vacation! We're getting a vacation!" Rachel announced to the office, barely containing her glee.

"What vacation?" Emma asked, confused.

"Just... vacation!" Rachel was still too excited to form complete sentences.

"Oh, I get it!" Jackie suddenly stood up. "Rachel, are you talking about this year's reward trip?"

"Yes, exactly!" Rachel nodded vigorously. "I overheard it outside Mr. Han's office while delivering documents!"

"What kind of trip?" Emma asked with growing interest.

"Hold on, I know about this!" Tom joined in. "The company organizes a week-long trip every summer to boost morale and team spirit. Last year it was Arizona, but it rained the whole time—we ended up stuck indoors eating room service."

The office buzzed with excitement as the news spread. Emma felt herself caught up in the enthusiasm. Coming from Shanghai headquarters, she hadn't expected the Manhattan branch to be so... fun. This impromptu escape from home was turning out better than expected. She wondered where her sister had ended up...

Alex pondered the timing—a Hainan trip in two weeks' time. The Jin matter would need to be resolved before then. Based on his calculations, Jin would announce the auction this weekend after not hearing from Jennifer. Between organizing the auction house and publicity, the specific date would be set next week. Perfect timing for his plan to come together. He'd make sure Jin regretted his arrogance.

But this weekend was already booked—Grace had organized the group shopping trip for Sunday, which meant Saturday would be dedicated to helping the heiress build her wardrobe.

*When did my peaceful life get so complicated?* Alex sighed internally.

"So when exactly?" Grace perked up, suddenly energetic. "And where to? Switzerland? France?"

"Don't get carried away—it'll be domestic," Alex deflated her enthusiasm.

"It's starting July first," Rachel explained, recalling what she'd overheard. "We're going to Hawaii! Not sure which island though."

"Hawaii? Well, that's definitely better than Arizona!" Grace nodded approvingly. She seemed quite satisfied with the destination.

"July first? That's just two weeks away," Sarah noted.

"Right!"

"Well then, everyone needs to wrap up their current projects quickly," Sarah smiled, her position as team leader evident. "As always: work hard, play hard—neither should suffer!"

"Hooray!" The office erupted in cheers. Besides Grace, Tom seemed the most excited—he could bring his wife. The rest were all single...

"Sun, sand..." Grace started dreamily.

"And bikini-clad beauties!" Alex added with a grin.

"Oh right!" Grace's eyes lit up at his words. She grabbed Alex in a conspiratorial huddle. "My old swimsuit is out of style. You have to help me shop for a new one!"

"What do you mean?" Alex looked at her skeptically. "Don't you have enough admirers to take shopping?"

"That's different! You're the expert, aren't you? Those guys don't know anything. Besides, you know me—I'm very particular. How could I show off my goddess-like figure to just anyone?" Grace preened dramatically.

"Not interested," Alex rejected her flatly.

"No choice! You're coming with me. And while you're at it, get me one of those membership cards..."

"I suspect that's your real motive," Alex gave her a knowing look.

"That's just a small bonus. Besides, don't you want to see beautiful women? There are plenty at the swimwear stores. If we're lucky, we might even catch a fashion show..."

"Well, since you're begging so nicely, I suppose I could help," Alex relented, maintaining an air of reluctance while secretly delighted.

"Listen up, lovely ladies of Team Six!" Grace announced loudly. "How about swimsuit shopping this Sunday? I've convinced Alex to be our advisor—he's quite the expert, you know!"

Alex groaned internally. So it wouldn't be just Grace.

"Actually, I don't have a swimsuit either," Jennifer chimed in.

"Me neither. Let's all go pick something out—we've got nothing else planned anyway," Rachel added cheerfully.

"Alex... an expert?" Sarah raised an eyebrow at him. "Grace, what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Alex, he—"

"Ah, Grace means that when shopping for swimwear, you need a man with good taste to give honest feedback," Alex quickly interrupted, covering Grace's mouth. "Right, Grace?" *God forbid she mentions yesterday's lingerie shopping adventure. How would I maintain my office reputation if that got out?*

"That's right! Tom, bring your wife too—everyone's invited!" Grace declared, ever the social coordinator. If there was one person who could organize office activities, it was Grace.

"Great!"

"Then it's settled—Sunday at 10 AM, meet at the West Side Mall entrance!"

The news of the upcoming trip had everyone in high spirits, including Emma. This would be her first company trip, a perfect chance to bond with her colleagues. She hadn't expected the Manhattan branch to be so different from Shanghai headquarters—this escape from home was turning out better than anticipated. She wondered where her sister had ended up...