not happening...

20

Nicholas is shocked, and Grand explains, “You want a project so you can get your foot in the door. That didn't work out. Do you demand that every CEO disclose what their company does? Repeatedly? Even though she clearly stated that she doesn't want that? Instead of taking the hint, you apologize and then start all over again?” Nicholas opens his mouth and closes it again; that's exactly what he did. He didn't treat her like a CEO. “s**t, I just wanted to find out more about her. I don't know how it came to this.” Cole pats him on the shoulder: “Well, that doesn't make it any better. You didn't even begin to respect what she said; instead, you tried to force your will on her.” He sighs, “It doesn't seem to be getting any better, does it?” Nicholas: “What should I do?” Cole suggests, “Change your behavior. You think you're the best, don't you? Sorry, but you're not. She's a genius, and unfortunately, you're realizing that too late, because if you realize it on Friday, you won't get another chance.” Nicholas looks up: “Why do you think that?” Cole: “Because I know her. She just wants to be liked as a person.” Nicholas looks at him thoughtfully for a moment, then grabs his cell phone and calls the Future company, explaining that an emergency has interrupted his appointment and he urgently needs another appointment before the trade show. He actually gets the appointment, in exactly two hours. Then he calls his grandfather and asks him if he wants to come along. Of course, his grandfather is happy to do so. Cole pats him on the back, “Not so dumb after all, huh?” Nicholas can't even argue with that, instead he just grins.

Then he drives to the office and meets Peter there. Before he can say anything, Peter begins, “Listen, I'm sorry. You've been so withdrawn since this whole thing, and I thought I was so angry about how she presented herself.” He runs his hands through his hair. “I've been your friend forever. I'm sorry.” Nicholas looks at him with a cold expression: “You will never behave like that towards a business partner again. I don't care if it's a woman or a man.” Peter nods: “I was just annoyed,” he pauses, “Every other company is desperate to work with you, but we practically had to beg.” Nicholas sighs: “Peter, if you had been mistreated and disrespected, would you have made an appointment?” Peter's eyes widen, then he lowers his head: “No, probably not.” Nicholas nods: “Cole told me that if I don't get an appointment with Future before the trade show, we're out of the running.” Peter: “Why?” Nicholas shrugs, “I don't know.” There's a knock and the door opens. Both men look up and Nicholas stands up, “Grandpa.” Shawn nods and looks at Peter: “Peter, young man, you've got a black eye.” Peter nods: "Nicholas punched me in the face. But I deserved it. I was the reason the meeting with Future fell through.“ Shawn looks at Nicholas: ”We're not taking him with us, are we?“ Nicholas: ”No, he's staying here. Maybe if we don't put him on such shaky ground, things will get better.“ Shawn nods and Peter grimaces. Shawn: ”By the way, I brought everything, gifts and stuff. Maybe we can squeeze in a meal.“ Nicholas says, ”Grandpa, it's a business meeting.“ Shawn nods, ”Yep, I know. Let's go." Together they drive to the Future company and when they arrive, they go to the reception and are escorted to one of the elevators. When they reach the top, Stan welcomes them. He smiles and explains, “My name is Stan Dent, I have the pleasure of being CEO Leila's right-hand man. If you'd like to follow me.” Shawn extends his hand and says, “I'm very pleased to meet you.” Then he follows him and Nicholas, who had nodded, follows behind. Once again, they are led into the conference room, but this time drinks and snacks are already set out and Stan hands everyone their desired beverage. Then he prepares a large cup of coffee and places it at the head of the table. Shortly afterwards, Leila enters the room and Shawn immediately stands up and offers her his hand: “Thank you very much for the short notice. I hear you're very busy.” Leila laughs, "Hello Shawn, we've always been on good terms and you've never done anything to me. Let's stick to first names.“ Shawn beams at her and sits down. Nicholas: ”Good afternoon, CEO Smith, and thank you for seeing us. I would also like to apologize for my assistant's behavior.“ Shawn interjects: ”Leila, he punched Peter in the face and now he has a black eye." Leila interjects, “Is everything in your family resolved with violence?” Nicholas: “No, that was an exception.” Leila raises her eyebrows, “Well, CEO Anderson, why this meeting? What's this about?” Nicholas straightens up, "I've heard that Future has an extremely good security system. Now there are levels in my company where I want to prevent employees or managers from leaking information.“ Leila nods, ”My company does indeed have a good security system. Among other things, this,“ she takes out a cell phone and puts it on the table. ”It's not much, but take the phone and take a picture of my assistant." Nicholas nods and takes a picture of Stan. Leila and Stan stand up and motion for the other two to follow them. “Every employee has a cell phone these days and always has it with them. My employees put their personal phones in lockers when they arrive.”