"Since I’m already here, I should see the host. Let's go talk to Mr. Gu," Basil said, his tone allowing no objection.

With his arm around Alyssa’s waist, he started walking towards Aaron.

She followed after him, paying close attention to the reaction of the people around them. Some gazed at them curiously. Some were filled with envy. Some pointed at them. Alyssa was sure that she would soon become the topic of the company. Meanwhile, something occurred to her—Basil was her boyfriend. They were in a relationship. They had nothing to hide. Why did they have to sneak around?

So she held her head up high and flashed a charming smile. In any case, she wouldn’t embarrass Basil.

"Good evening, Mr. Gu. I apologize for coming so abruptly."

Basil shook hands with Aaron and then took a glass of wine from the tray of the waiter passing by them. He looked very relaxed, as if talking to an old friend. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Xu," Aaron said.

They clinked glasses. The gentle, crisp sound was quiet, just like the fierce competition between the two men in business.

"Mr. Gu, you have a reputation for being nice to your employees. Why do you act so cold to Alyssa?" Basil asked.

Alyssa gaped at his words. Gasping, she pinched him on the back.

"Ow! What was that for?"

he turned around and asked in confusion.

Alyssa rolled her eyes at him without answering him. "Didn’t you tell me that your boss was mean to you?" Basil’s puzzle grew.

Alyssa felt helpless, hoping he could just shut up.

Trashing her boss to his face like that, she might get fired because of it.

Aaron’s gaze landed on her, as if looking for an answer. She bit her lower lip, feeling like laughing. Thinking that an explanation would make her look guiltier, she chose to cover her face with her hands.

How she wished she were invisible at this moment!

"So, Miss Lin, you think I’m mean to you? Why didn’t you just tell me? Now that I know that, I’ll be gentle to you from now on."

Aaron stressed the word "gentle." It sent chills down her spine. She sensed horror, as if she were about to be executed. She pinched on Basil’s waist and twisted, as if she was trying to wrench the flesh off.

You idiot!

Jerk!

I’m doomed because of you!

Basil suffered in pain, struggling to maintain his normal countenance. He was sure that Alyssa was pinching him as hard as she could. There would be a bruise on his waist by tomorrow.

Even so, he didn’t regret what he said. He didn't want her to work for Aaron in JK Group. He wanted her to work in his own company. That way, they would be able to be together at work and after work. They could see each other every day, and no one would dare to be mean to her. That was the best plan.

Basil knew Aaron. That was why he had made it so clear that Alyssa was his girlfriend. He was sure once Aaron knew about his relationship with Alyssa, he would suspect that she had joined JK Group with a purpose and then fire her.

However, things didn’t go as he had planned. After Alyssa’s day one, she had constantly complained about how harsh Aaron was to her. But Aaron didn’t let her go.

So, Basil thought he had to do something about it. Actually, that was why he had insisted on coming to the party and said those words to Aaron's face. Few bosses could tolerate employees that bad-mouthed them behind their backs. He assumed it should work this time.

"Um, Mr. Gu, it’s not like what Basil said. You’re always nice to me," Alyssa explained.

But Aaron was no fool. He knew what was going on.