The Golden Oak's interior was as lavish as its reputation promised—rich mahogany booths, soft ambient lighting that highlighted the room’s understated elegance, and the faint scent of aged wine and polished wood. Aria moved through the restaurant, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor as a maître d' guided her to a private booth near the back. She slid into the plush seat, eyes scanning the space while she organized her thoughts.
Arriving early had always been her preference. It gave her a moment to center herself, to prepare for the negotiations ahead. This meeting was crucial, and she’d spent weeks ensuring that every aspect of their proposal was flawless. Mr. Nakamura’s investment could open the doors to the Asian markets, a leap that Moretti Enterprises had been strategizing f
