not happening...

19

There is no significant reaction when the woman leaves the room. Mr. Crowl nudges Mr. Anderson and says, “Mmm, great legs and ass. Did you see her?” Mr. Anderson's response was, “Man, we're here for a meeting, not to look at legs or butts. If you can't control yourself, then leave.” Mr. Crowl: “Well, I thought she'd take your mind off things.” Leila raises an eyebrow, “Well, Stan. Let's go.” She says, “Oh, and please record how they react. If they think it's a joke, I'll send this information to Cole. We'll see if he still takes sides.”

Nicholas

Peter is slowly starting to get on his nerves. Why should I care about this secretary? She brought us drinks, and that's it. I instruct Peter once again: “Don't say anything. It was extremely difficult to get this appointment, and don't you dare say anything wrong. Business is business.” Peter nods.

The door opens and I see Stan and Leila. Leila nods at me and says, “Mr. Anderson, Mr. Crowl, why did you want to see me?” Peter blurts out, “You're the CEO, Leila? Is this a joke?” Just as Nicholas sees the subtle smile on Leila's face and is about to say something, the door is pushed open and both Nicholas and Peter are forced to leave. As they leave, Nicholas hears, “There are no further appointments with these gentlemen. Anyway, that was quick. We should now take care of the final preparations. Since we have some extra time, we should see if everything is ready for the trade fair.” Stan: “I'll call the driver.”

In the elevator, the two stand between the bodyguards and Nicholas is more than just angry. The receptionist hands them their cell phones and then they are escorted to the door by the security guards. Outside, Nicholas turns to Peter: “Really? Did that have to happen?” Peter: “But that must have been a joke. She can't be the CEO.” Nicholas interrupts: "She was at the jewelry event, she knows Maurice because she had dinner with his wife. Why wouldn't a woman be a CEO?“ Peter: ”It's Leila, she used to clean.“ Nicholas: ”She cleaned because she was forced to. That has nothing to do with her abilities.“ Peter: ”Does she have a sugar daddy? I mean, look at the building, Future bought it three years ago. She used to live in a tiny apartment." Nicholas punches Peter in the face. He yells, “Get out of my sight!” He waves to his driver and drives toward Cole's office. When the car stops, he gets out and turns to the receptionist: “My name is Anderson and I need to speak to Mr. Cole immediately.” The lady picks up the phone and then points to the elevator. Nicholas quickly marches into the elevator and, once at the top, knocks on Cole's door and explains, “Before you say anything, I punched Peter in the face and left him standing there. I didn't even get to say anything.” Cole laughs, “Really? You punched him in the face?” Nicholas grins: “Yes, I did.” Cole is still laughing, then he slaps Nicholas on the shoulder: “Well done. May I introduce you to the CEO of Future?” Nicholas turns his head around and stares at Leila. Nicholas' jaw drops and then he closes his mouth again, opens it—but nothing comes out.

Then he hears melodic laughter and Leila says jokingly to Cole: “Ooh, I've ruined the big CEO.” Nicholas shakes his head, then rushes over to Leila and bows: "I apologize. I really have no idea why he behaved like that. That has never happened before. Please accept my apology.“ Leila nods, ”Okay, water under the bridge. It's all in the past.“ Nicholas sits down and asks, ”May I ask how long you've been the CEO of Future?“ Leila laughs, ”Since I was... 11.“ Nicholas sits up straight: ”What!?" Cole laughs,

“I worked in a garage and registered the company when I turned 16. Legally competent,” explains Leila. “Unfortunately, the k********g and abuse didn't come at the right time, but I got the GAP sorted out and the company is back on track.” Nicholas: “What exactly does Future do?” Leila looks at him calmly, “I don't have to explain my company to you. They wanted to do a project with my company and they wanted an appointment. So why did they want an appointment?” Nicholas: “My gut feeling tells me something big is happening the day after tomorrow and I can't figure out what it is.” Leila grins: “You won't, either, except for me and a handful of really trustworthy people. And you're not part of that circle.” Nicholas nods, “What if they need protection?” Leila smiles subtly: “Then you would be, excuse my frankness, the last person I would ask.” Leila: “Cole, since he doesn't really want to do a project with my company and I have absolutely no intention of showing him, telling him, or revealing what my company does, I think I'll be going.” She stands up and Nicholas hastens to say, “No, I was just curious.” Leila: “Well, sometimes it's not the best thing to be curious.” Nicholas apologizes again and Leila replies, “Mr. Anderson, instead of constantly apologizing—if you don't mean it—just don't.” Nicholas stares at her: “But I mean it.” Leila shakes her head: “You apologize, then you do the same thing again, apologize and do the same thing again. You're arrogant and I don't have time for games.” With that, she hugs Cole and leaves. Nicholas looks like he doesn't understand what she means, and Cole sighs: “Mr. Grand, are you stupid?”