Just then, Xavier came over with a cup of coffee. âSir, Iâve contacted Ms. Sliva from Alexaâs firm. Sheâs willing to meet up with you to discuss the matter.â
âReally?â
âYes. But sheâs made it clear that thatâs all it is. She seemed pretty cold and unwilling to do it, honestly.
Xavier sighed. âI just hope our endeavor doesnât go kaput.â
âDonât worry. Iâm not giving up until Alexa meets me herself.â
They waited in Yoarkley for three days before Jasper met with Sliva at a café near Alexaâs design firm.
He wasnât even invited over to the actual office.
âIâll get straight to the point, Mr. Jasper.â Slivaâs expression was one of pride and mild annoyance.
âThus far, Alexa has only made jewelry for presidential members, royalty, and those who have contributed exceedingly to societal and human welfare.
âAda Kingsley may be a celebrity, but she does not fall into any of the above precedent categories.â
Xavier scowled, unable to understand what the fuss was all about when it was just jewelry!
Sliva added, âI do not mean to sound standoffish. This is merely the truth.â
Jasper responded, âI have been actively involved in charitable work and have established charities and trust funds in my motherâs name since I was young.
âI have always enthusiastically supported organizations dedicated to alleviating poverty and orphanages.
I hope Alexa can consider this and not view it as just another celebrity trying to get their way.
âWe are prepared to assist Alexa in any way, including financial support. Additionally, we intend to donate the proceeds from the homecoming party to local charities to help the community.â
âOh? Do you think thatâs all Alexa cares about? Do you think sheâs so narrow-minded?â Sliva sneered.
Jasper cleared his throat. âOf course not.â
âCountless people have come to us seeking Alexaâs help over the years, all in the name of charity. Yet most of them were secretly money launderers and crooks. Who knows if Iâm sitting across one now?â
Jasperâs hand balled into a fist.
Xavier had had enough. âMs. Sliva, we genuinely mean well. Thereâs no need to insinuate anything unkind whatsoever.â
Jasper held out a hand to stop him from speaking further.
âIâve always personally reviewed my companyâs assets and cash flow. This event will be included as well. I can send you all the receipts and listings of related costs for your perusal.â
Sliva looked away. âI will let Alexa know of your proposal, Mr. Jasper. But at the end of the day, Alexa will be the one to decide on whether she will or will not join you. Youâre not the only one who has come to seek her help.â
Sliva turned around and left right away, barely touching her coffee.
Xavier was pissed. âWhat was that? She was so rude! Are all Yoarkley women this irritating?â
âWe need to come up with a plan right away.â Jasper unclenched his hands. âMy guess is Alexa is treating Alyssa and her team just as tough as sheâs treating ours, given our goals are the same. I donât think Alyssa could propose anything better than we can, either.â
âDo you have something in mind, sir?â
âWe need to start with Adaâs welcoming party first without letting up on Alexa. Keep an eye on Alyssaâs progress. If she so much as fidgets in regards to Alexa, let me know straight away!â