Kevin returned to his company, dazed and listless.
His mind kept replaying Hailey's expressions—her smile, her coldness, her resentment.
Shortly after, Kevin called his secretary into his office. "I'll attend Friday's negotiation meeting with Aether Blue."
"Understood. Should I…?"
"Instruct our team to lose the negotiation."
"Excuse me?"
Faced with his secretary's confusion, Kevin offered no further explanation.
He reasoned that since Hailey was angry, he would simply appease her. Once she was placated, couldn't they return to how things used to be?
"In short, let the opposing side win. We don't need to."
Friday arrived quickly. Following Kevin's instructions, Aether Blue easily secured victory at the negotiation table.
Throughout the meeting, Kevin's gaze never left Hailey. Yet
