Chapter 54

• Melanie's heart was thudding in her chest like a drum. She quickly blinked, trying to clear the panic from her face. She straightened up, managed a small smile, and said in the most even voice she could gather, “Everything is fine, Mr. Blackwood. Mr. Steel was just leaving.”
• Alexander didn’t flinch. Instead, he turned smoothly toward Mr. Blackwood, a professional smile rising on his face. “Alexander Steel,” he said, extending a firm hand. “CEO of EcoNexus Corporation. It’s a pleasure.”
• Mr. Blackwood accepted the handshake with a slight nod. “Ah yes, of course. I’ve heard the name more than once in the past few weeks. It’s a pleasant surprise to have you drop by, Mr. Steel. I wasn’t aware you were in Germany.”