the contract

3

Stephanie's eyes scanned the documents in front of her, her brow furrowed in concentration. "When I sign the experimentation contract, when do I proceed to undergo the needful?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of eagerness.

Esther's expression turned professional, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the question. "OK, you'll get to wait for the feedback of your contractors, to know when and where you are led," she replied, her voice measured and deliberate.

Stephanie's gaze lingered on Esther's face, seeking clarification. "And how long will that take?" she pressed, her tone hinting at a sense of urgency.

Esther's lips pursed slightly, her eyes darting to the documents before returning to Stephanie's face. "That's hard to say. It depends on their schedule and availability. But I'll make sure to keep you updated," she assured, her voice firm and confident.

Stephanie nodded, her expression thoughtful. "And what about the contract marriage? When do I need to...?" she trailed off, her eyes seeking guidance.

Esther leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the desk. "As your lawyer, I'll advise we schedule a negotiation with these men if you are willing to sign both contracts to meet a more beneficial agreement," she said, her voice taking on a strategic tone.

Stephanie's eyes widened slightly, her brow arching in surprise. "Negotiation? What kind of negotiation?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Esther's smile was subtle, her eyes glinting with a hint of determination. "We'll discuss the terms, Stephanie. Make sure you get the best deal possible. But first, you need to be patient before putting your signature on both contracts."

A woman burst into Mr. Leigh's office, her heels clicking on the floor as she hurried to his desk. She was formally dressed in a crisp business suit, her hair pulled back in a tight bun. "Sir, Mrs. Magdalene Smith is on the line," she announced, out of breath, as she handed him the phone.

Mr. Leigh raised an eyebrow, intrigued, as he took the phone from her. "Hello," he said, his deep voice firm, as he placed the phone to his ear.

The woman lingered for a moment, her eyes fixed on Mr. Leigh's face, before she turned and hastily retreated from the office, closing the door behind her.

Mr. Leigh's expression turned intent as he listened to the voice on the other end of the line. "Arnold Leigh..." the feminine voice said, its tone firm and authoritative. "I want you to reject whatever proposal Ms. Stephanie Smith has brought to you."

Mr. Leigh's interest was piqued, his brow furrowing slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "And why should I?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism, as he questioned Mrs. Magdalene's audacity.

There was a pause on the other end of the line before the voice responded. "I am Magdalene Smith, the founder of 'Guvenia Enterprise'." The introduction was brief, but the tone was confident, bordering on commanding.

Mr. Leigh's eyes narrowed slightly, his lips curling into a subtle smile. "I am Arnold Leigh," he said, his voice dripping with pride. "Am I now to take orders from you? Call me again when Guvenia has made a worldwide narrative of itself." His tone was dismissive, his words laced with a hint of arrogance.

As he spoke, Mr. Leigh leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the armrest, his eyes fixed on some point outside the window.

Stephanie stormed through the front door of her home, her phone still pressed to her ear. "Mabel, dismiss every staff and close up the entire store," she barked into the phone, her voice firm and commanding.

On the other end of the line, Mabel's voice trembled. "Ma'am, I don't want to go, please. We could seek other options to stop this close down." Mabel begged, her words spilling out in a desperate rush.

Stephanie's expression turned stern, her jaw clenched in frustration. "Mabel, it's a temporary suspension of work, alright? Just do as I say," she clarified, her tone firm but slightly softer.

Mabel's protests continued, but Stephanie's mind was made up. She ended the call with a decisive click, her eyes already moving to her next task. She quickly dialed another number, her fingers flying across the screen.

"Mr. Leonard, it's Stephanie. I need to see you. Now," she said, her voice direct and assertive.

The person on the other end of the line agreed, and Stephanie hung up, her mind racing with the implications of her decisions. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.

As she turned to head into her home, her eyes caught on a framed photo on the entryway table. It was a picture of her and her team, beaming with pride at the store's grand opening. Stephanie's gaze lingered on the photo, a pang of sadness and regret flashing across her face.

But she pushed the emotions aside, squaring her shoulders and moving forward.

Stephanie slipped on her dress, the fabric hugging her curves perfectly. As she adjusted the hem, her phone buzzed on the bedside table. She picked it up, answering with a crisp "Hello?"

"Send me the address, and I'll be there," a feminine voice said on the other end.

"I'll do just that," Stephanie replied, her tone brief.

The call ended, and Stephanie headed for the elevator, her heels clicking on the floor. When the doors slid open, she stepped out into the lobby, scanning the area.

That's when she saw her - a tall, elegant woman with two escorts flanking her. The woman's presence commanded respect, her confidence radiating like an aura. Her eyes met Stephanie's, and a warm smile spread across her face.

"Stephanie," the woman called out, opening her arms for a hug.

Stephanie accepted the embrace, but it felt stiff, unresponsive. "How have you been?" the woman asked, her tone laced with genuine concern.

"Let's find a place to talk," the woman suggested, her eyes scanning the lobby.

But Stephanie hesitated. "No, I have a meeting to get to."

The woman's expression turned serious. "We can't stand here and talk, I heard a report about your business, and it wasn't suiting to the ear."

Stephanie's eyes narrowed. "Magdalene, it's my business."

Magdalene's voice took on a pleading tone. "Even if you no longer see me as your mother, let me help you. I'll help you expand your business, I am your mother."

Stephanie's expression turned resolute. "No, I'll handle this myself."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Magdalene standing there, disappointment etched on her face. "You might need my help later on, don't hesitate to call me," Magdalene called out, but Stephanie didn't look back.