not happening...

15

Then they continue eating. Nicholas drives to the office and feels frustrated. Not only has he really messed up everything concerning Leila, but he also can't find out who the CEO of Future is. But he is more than impressed, and it looks like he is approaching the companies and people he wants to work with. His company is recognized worldwide, so why hasn't the CEO approached him? He knows that Grand and Castello work with him. So what do they have that he doesn't? He needs to talk to Grand again. He dials his office number. Maybe he still has something to do. Shortly after, Cole's secretary picks up: “Grand Cooperation? Terrance Keller. How can I help you?” Nicholas clears his throat: “Hey, this is Nicholas Anderson from Anderson's Business Company. I'd like to speak to Mr. Cole Grand.”

Previously friendly, Mr. Keller's tone is now somewhat cool: “One moment, please...” Nicholas ends up in a queue and no one puts him on hold. Nevertheless, he waits patiently. After what feels like hours (it was only 10 minutes), he hears Cole's voice: “Yep. What is it?” Not even a hint of politeness. But Nicholas sighs, what did he expect? “Hello, Mr. Grand, would you be available for lunch today? I'd like to discuss something with you.” Pause on the other end: “Please,” Nicholas tries again, and hears laughter: “How does it feel to have to say ‘please’?” Nicholas swallows, “Not good, but I understand that my last appearance was a bit wrong.” Another pause, then “Something?” Nicholas: “Lunch?” Cole: “Okay.” They agree on a place and time and hang up. Nicholas feels humiliated, but knows there's nothing he can do about it. And deep down, he knows that this isn't even close to what Leila must have felt. He takes the blow like a man, exactly—that's exactly what he's going to do. He even picks up the phone himself and calls Ted, who owns a restaurant chain. It's hard to get a table at his place, but he wants Cole to feel comfortable. “Hello Ted, can I ask you a favor? I have a last-minute lunch date, can I get a table reservation?” Ted: “Hey Bro, sure. How many people?” Nicholas, “Just one, Cole Grand.” Ted whistles: “So you need an excellent table. How about I reserve the entire balcony?” Nicholas thanks him and gets ready. Then he goes to his safe and opens it. Inside are several jewelry boxes, and he takes out a smaller one. He opens it and looks at the silver chain with a dark blue tanzanite pendant in a crystal cut surrounded by diamonds. He puts the jewelry box in his pocket and heads to the restaurant. When he arrives, he is immediately shown to the balcony and sees that it is closed to everyone else. Cole arrives on time and sits down in the chair opposite Nicholas. Nicholas: "Thank you for coming, and I apologize for my behavior at the last dinner. Of course, I realize that you're not a gold digger, I was just so angry that I said such hurtful things.“ Cole looks at him calmly: ”Shouldn't that apology be directed at Leila?“ Nicholas sighs, ”Unfortunately, I don't know how to reach her, which brings me to another point. You seem to be quite close to Leila?" Cole smiles: “Yes, she's very close to me and I admire her.” Nicholas tries to remain calm and asks: “Are you courting her? Do you plan to marry her?” Cole almost chokes on his wine: “No, I don't plan to marry her. I just support her as a person I really appreciate and admire.” Nicholas: “Can you give her my apologies and maybe give her this?” He takes out the box and hands it to him. Cole takes the box, looks at Nicholas, and asks, “May I?” Nicholas nods, “Sure, go ahead.” Cole opens the box and looks at the necklace and pendant. “Wow, that's pretty, but what are you hoping to achieve with this?” Nicholas looks at Cole openly and honestly: “I don't just want to apologize to her, I'd like to get to know her better and maybe win her friendship.” Cole closes the box and puts it on the table: "Unfortunately, I have to say that her family and their behavior, Mr. Anderson, have hurt her very much. The only reason her family was able to treat her so badly is because they didn't bother to check if she was okay. Besides, Leila isn't the kind of person who can be bought. She doesn't need that.“ Nicholas nods, ”Yes, I know. There's something else. My grandfather heard from his doctor that Leila is interested in Chinese medicine, and my grandfather has found a Chinese medical expert who would be willing to teach her—if she wants to learn. He has also found some old Chinese medical texts and books on herbs and had a set of silver acupuncture needles made. Because of my behavior, he never got around to giving it to Leila.“ Cole replies, ”The chance of her meeting Shawn Grand is probably better than her meeting her. But in general, she just helped because her heart told her to. She doesn't ask for anything in return. Unfortunately, she's very selfless. But she won't meet him because you'll probably be there." The food they ordered is brought to the table when a commotion outside the restaurant across the street catches their attention. Nicholas sees Leila standing there. She is wearing a red dress and a light black coat. Next to her is Mrs. Castello, and across from them are Serena Kolla and Nichola's sister Nicole. Nicholas sees Serena push Leila and Mrs. Castello quickly support her. “Cole, we should go down there,” says Nicholas, “My sister is completely out of control and I'm afraid they might hurt Leila.”