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“But how do we even approach him?” I asked, not revealing my meeting with Marcus, “He’s not exactly known for his warmth and hospitality.”
Luke chuckled as he said, “Leave that to me. I’ve already made some discreet inquiries. It seems Marcus is interested in meeting with us. He’s willing to discuss a potential partnership.”
“Really? What makes you think he’s serious?” I asked in a surprised voice.
Luke leaned in, saying, “Let’s just say I have it on good authority that Marcus is looking to expand his business into new markets. And he’s willing to consider
unconventional alliances to achieve his
goals.”
I nodded, my mind racing with
possibilities. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime. But I also knew that dealing
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with Marcus Smith would require caution
and cunning.
“Alright, let’s do it,” I said, a sense of determination settling in. “Let’s meet with Marcus and see what he has to offer.”
Luke grinned, pumping his fist in excitement, saying.“That’s the spirit, sis! We’re going to make this happen.”
At night, I went to my bedroom. It was just like it used to be eight years ago. Not even a poster was removed. My mother had been keeping it the way I left, thinking I might return anytime. I felt so warm and strange at the same time as I laid on the bed. I had just closed my eyes when my phone buzzed with a message. It was from David. I only realized now that I hadn’t blocked David’s social media account.
“Who is this man hugging you so tightly? You know, Rosaline, I don’t like your closeness with others.”
There was a photo attached with it. Luke
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and I had been hugging each other.
I didn’t reply to David. Instead, I blocked him from everywhere. I recalled what Luke told me about David’s company. I couldn’t help calling one of my colleagues and came to know that David hadn’t returned home. after my departure. He had been very busy finding the moles in the company. There was a high chance that Cinthia was also a mole set up by Marcus‘ s agents. But, David was in denial. He had been firing all his employees except her. Chills ran down my spine seeing how much he trusted her. But, soon I let it go. I had moved past it and I didn’t want anything to affect me.
The next day, we arrived at the luxurious hotel arranged by Marcus’s men. Its glass walls were gleaming in the evening light. Luke and I exchanged a glance, our hearts. racing with anticipation. This meeting with Marcus Smith could make or break our family’s business.
As we stepped into the corridor, a tall,
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imposing figure emerged from the
shadows. Marcus Smith, the ruthless president of the Smith Group, was standing before us.
“Rosaline Coopers.” he said in a deep voice, his eyes telling several words.“It’s a
pleasure to finally meet you again. Though you left me to keep waiting for your call.”
“Again?” Luke chuckled, “You have met him already? Why didn’t you tell me before?”
I eyed him to stop talking. Meanwhile, Marcus added with a pair of questioning eyes, “Your picture went viral, hugging Mr. Luke outside the airport. I wondered. about your relationship with him.”
Luke immediately jumped in the conversation, saying excitedly, “I‘ m her brother. My sister is still single.”
I couldn’t be more embarrassed than I was now. To stop Luke from talking too much, I extended my hand, and Marcus’s firm
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handshake sent a shiver down my spine.
Marcus then nodded curtly, his gaze never wavering as he said to Luke, “Let’s get down to business, shall we? I’m intrigued by your proposal. Convince me why I should. partner with the Coopers‘ family.”
We followed Marcus to a private lounge. As we sat, I launched into our pitch, outlining the benefits of a strategic alliance betweent our companies. Marcus listened intently, his expression unreadable.
When I finished, Marcus leaned back in his chair. He said while steepling his fingers together, “I’m impressed, Rosaline. You’re as sharp as I’d heard. But I need to know, what’s in it for me?”
Luke jumped in. His words flowed like. honey as he said, “We can offer
you
exclusive access to our network of
international connections, Marcus. Our family’s reputation and influence would open doors for your company in untapped
markets.”
