New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 331 Negotiations

Alexander's jaw practically hit the floor, eyes wide as he tried to process what Claudia just said. "What?" he blurted, his voice a mix of shock and disbelief. Claudia just smirked, leaned back in her seat like she had all the time in the world, and repeated herself. "Negotiate with me... or marry me."

The pounding beat of the club's music made it hard to think, let alone hear, but somehow, her words cut through the noise crystal clear. Alexander blinked rapidly like that would help him make sense of the nonsense she was spouting. "Are you drunk?" he asked, leaning closer to her, eyes scanning her face for any signs of tipsiness. Claudia chuckled, a low, amused sound. She leaned forward, grabbed her glass, and took a slow, deliberate sip of her drink. "Not drunk, Alexander," she said, shaking her head with a smirk still playing on her lips.

Alexander's face twisted into a frown. He couldn't believe this. "You're crazy," he muttered, shaking his head. "I would never marry a woman like you."

Claudia raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely curious, which threw him off for a second. "Oh?" she said, a little too casually. "And why is that?"

Alexander snorted. "Because your options are insane!" He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Who even says stuff like that? Negotiate or marry? Seriously?"

Claudia crossed her arms and leaned forward again, her voice lowering just enough that he could hear her clearly over the music. "Well, if you don't want to negotiate, I could always go to the press. I'm sure the public would love to know all about Harris Company's dirty little secrets."

Alexander groaned internally. He already hated her, but this? This was pushing him to the edge. "Harris company doesn't have dirty secrets." Alexander sneers at her. However, Claudia throws him a smirk that makes Alexander annoyed.

He glanced around, hoping for a moment of clarity, but no-here he was, stuck in this club, having the weirdest conversation of his life.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine," he muttered. "I'll negotiate. Anything's better than marrying you."

Claudia's eyes flickered with amusement as she leaned back, satisfied. "Good choice," she said smoothly, but Alexander could tell she was enjoying this way too much.

As he tried to regain his composure, he thought of Claire, the woman who held his heart. No way was he going to let someone like Claudia get under his skin. He wasn't marrying anyone unless it was Claire. Sure, Claire wasn't his, not yet, but he had hope. He wasn't giving up on her not until she was officially off the market.

Claudia placed her drink on the table with a soft clink and tilted her head at him. "So, if we're negotiating, let's talk numbers," she said, getting straight to business. "I want 60% of the revenue." Alexander let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "Are you serious right now? Did you just learn how business works?" he asked mockingly, throwing his hands up. "That's not how this goes." Claudia's smirk never faltered. "I know exactly how business works, Alexander. I'm just asking for what's fair."

"Lady, your father was lucky to get 30%

your mouth," she said, her voice colder now. "Solstice Vineyard was known long before Harris

cutting her off. He added a smug

stung, even if she wouldn't admit it. She knew he was right. Solstice Vineyard had a solid reputation in

snapped. "You and your company may have

Harris backing you up, you'd be sitting in some French vineyard with

up. "This isn't

where you want 60% of the profits for doing what, exactly? Standing around

I've expanded our operations, negotiated with distributors, and secured new markets. You think that's just 'standing around looking pretty?"" Alexander leaned in, clearly enjoying getting under her skin. "Oh, so

withering look. "I didn't come here to be insulted, Alexander. I came

should come with a better offer," he shot back, folding his arms across his

in her temper.

ready to talk sense. "We stick to the original deal. 30% for you, 70%

lips pressed into a

what's the

negotiation?" Alexander said, throwi

up. "If you're not willing to

leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "I'll come down to 40%." Alexander raised an eyebrow. "40%?

down. "It's a fair offer and you know it. Solstice Vineyard is more valuable now than it

really, he knew he had the upper hand. He sighed dramatically like

a huge concession

"35%. Final offer."

That doesn't seem fair." Alexander leaned back in his chair and stared into her eyes. "Well,