Chapter 38. The Partnership Meeting
550 Words
The atmosphere inside the executive meeting room became strangely tense the moment Elena entered.
Several top executives of De Luca Holdings immediately stood respectfully.
“Miss Moretti.”
“It’s an honor meeting you.”
Elena smiled politely before taking her seat gracefully across Adrian.
Meanwhile Adrian remained silent while watching her carefully.
Everything about her distracted him.
Her confidence.
Her calmness.
Even the way she spoke now.
This Elena was completely different from the woman he once knew.
And somehow…
That unsettled him deeply.
Matteo quickly broke the silence with a smile.
“We’re glad Belléna accepted our invitation.”
Elena crossed her legs elegantly.
“De Luca Holdings has one of the strongest European luxury distribution systems. Refusing the meeting would be bad business.”
Professional.
Cold.
Direct.
Adrian’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
She spoke to him like any other businessman.
Nothing more.
The meeting soon began properly with luxury product presentations displayed across the giant screen.
One of Belléna’s directors explained calmly,
“Our company plans to expand heavily into Europe within the next year.”
Another executive added,
“With De Luca Holdings handling distribution, both companies would dominate the luxury market.”
The room buzzed with excitement.
Even De Luca’s board members looked impressed.
Meanwhile Adrian barely paid attention to the presentation itself.
His eyes unconsciously drifted toward Elena again.
Then suddenly—
Elena reached for a glass of water beside her.
And a silver bracelet slipped slightly from beneath her sleeve.
Adrian froze instantly.
His eyes locked onto it.
A small music-note charm.
His breathing slowed slightly.
Because years ago…
He once gave the exact same bracelet to someone.
Elena quickly adjusted her sleeve calmly before he could look longer.
But something strange already awakened inside Adrian’s chest.
A forgotten memory.
A familiar feeling.
Meanwhile Elena noticed his stare immediately.
Her heart tightened painfully for one second.
Did he remember?
No.
Impossible.
If he truly remembered her—
Everything would already change.
So Elena simply continued the meeting calmly as if nothing happened.
After nearly two hours, the partnership discussion finally ended successfully.
Matteo smiled proudly.
“This collaboration will shake the entire luxury market.”
Everyone stood up exchanging handshakes professionally.
Then suddenly one female executive laughed softly.
“I think Milan is already more interested in Miss Moretti than the partnership itself.”
Several people laughed lightly.
“She’s become Italy’s hottest topic in just days.”
“And every media company wants exclusive interviews with her.”
Adrian remained quiet hearing all this.
For some strange reason—
He disliked how much attention other men gave Elena.
Meanwhile Elena calmly gathered her documents before turning toward the exit.
“Thank you for your time, gentlemen.”
But before she could leave—
Adrian suddenly spoke.
“Miss Moretti.”
Elena paused briefly.
“Yes?”
Adrian slowly stood up from his chair.
His tall figure instantly dominated the room again.
“We’ll continue discussing the partnership privately over dinner tomorrow evening.”
The room instantly became quiet.
Even Matteo raised an eyebrow slightly.
A private dinner?
Elena’s calm eyes met Adrian’s directly.
Then slowly—
She smiled faintly.
“Of course, Mr. De Luca.”
Professional again.
Cold again.
And once more—
Adrian strangely hated the distance in her voice.
- Writer
