More than a deal

CHAPTER FOUR

The car slowed as the towering glass building of Aureon industries came into view, its sleek exterior glowing under the city lights. The name stood boldly at the entrance.

Lena straightened as they stepped out, the atmosphere sharp and calculating. This wasn’t just another company, this was an enemy territory.

KAEL: Don’t look nervous. They’ll sense it.

LENA: Don’t worry. I can handle this.

Kael nodded, and they headed inside with their arms interlocked.

JAKE: Here comes the head of Kairon Industry. What brings you here today? Are you here to finalize the deal?

He said as he approached them. And escort them to his office.

They sit down and continue their conversation.

KAEL: Before we move forward with the deal, I prefer things to be clear from the start. It saves trouble later on.

Jake leaned back in his chair, fingers clined together.

JAKE: Clarity usually comes at a cost. What exactly do you have in mind?

KAEL: A short internal review. Nothing disruptive. (He gestures lightly towards Lena) This is my fiancé, Lena. She’ll work alongside your team, sit in and observe how things run. If it’s all good it will help our partnership.

Lena met Jake’s gaze, calm and professional, offering nothing more than a polite nod.

JAKE: And how long will it take?

KAEL: Two weeks. At most. After that, we move forward and finalize the deal if everything is good.

There was a brief pause, then Jake nodded.

JAKE: Very well. If Aureon Industry has nothing to hide, there’s nothing to worry about.

KAEL: Great. She’ll start reporting tomorrow, I want to spend sometime with my fiancé.

Lena’s gaze met his, making her blush.

JAKE: Sure. Whenever she is ready.

They shook hands, and Jake escorted them outside.

Before they got to the car, Lena’s heel broke causing her to fall, but Kael caught her in time. Because her heel was broken, he had to carry her.

LENA: Oh it’s fine, you don’t need to. We are already getting to the car.

KAEL: I can’t let my fiancé walk barefooted, while I have hands.

Lena couldn’t help but blush so much that she had nothing else to say.

They got to the car, and Kael gently placed Lena in the car seat.

LENA: Thanks.

KAEL: No need. Anyway, I hope you know what to do within the two weeks. Everything is in your hands. I hope I can trust you?

LENA: smiles Yes. You have the right person for this job, no worries at all. You can trust me.

KAEL: I like that. Well, you’ll be meeting my grandma as my fiancé, she always wanted me to find a life partner, cos I’m so work-invested, and I’ve found you. Make sure to give out your best character.

LENA: What if she gets used to me?

KAEL: Then we’ll get married. You are annoying, but you’re not bad either.

Lena was blushing and out of words. All she could do was smile.

KAEL: Or you won’t get married to me?

LENA: It’s worth the try. You are broody, but you’re not bad either.

Lena says as she chuckles.

KAEL: Make sure you don’t fall in love with Jake. He is quiet charming.

LENA: He needs that warning. I hate him already, there’s no way I’m falling for him, he’s charming indeed but, not really my type.

KAEL: has surprised look on his face This is quite interesting, I can see you have high expectations. What is your type then?

LENA: Not really. I’m being honest, you are my type. Apart from being all broody and cold, you have a charming and gentle nature. More like a mama’s boy. By the way, is your mom around?

Kael’s face immediately saddened.

LENA: Oh, did I say anything wrong. I’m sorry.

KAEL: Actually she isn’t, she passed away when I was a teen. My grandma raised me from there, my dad was with another woman. And my grandma’s health wasn’t so good at that time, so I had to take care of her and myself.

LENA: Explains why you are so broody. Sorry about that.

KAEL: It’s fine.