A Love Rekindled (Nancy and Bruce)

Nikolai's attitude was more candid than before. And based on how we were progressing, I thought that we should be headed toward a good outcome soon.

However, our conversation took a turn, and he said, "But, I'm sure that you're all aware of the kind of person Camille is. He has to be the one who has an interest in a particular partnership. Otherwise, others aren't able to recruit him at all."

Nikolai was gracious in the way that he spoke, and he was sincere too. But it was obvious that his sincerity was mainly displayed for Bruce's sake.

However, I was unable to make a snap judgment about Nikolai's truthfulness.

Finally, Bruce broke his silence and spoke up in a horse voice, "That's alright. Partnerships are two-way relationships anyway. Camille might not be interested in our project. And if that were really true, it wouldn't work even if we forced him to join us.

"Don't you think so, Ms. Fisher?"

Suddenly, Bruce took a strong stance.

I hadn't expected him to do so at a time like this, so I was taken aback for a moment.

Then, I went along with him and replied, "That's absolutely true, Mr. Harold. However, my instincts tell me that Camille would be very willing to partner with us after he gets an understanding of our project. "What do you think, Mr. Nikolai?"

Bruce and I expressed ourselves using two opposing strategies.

He had the capital and the confidence. But as a mere employee, I had to have a more humble attitude.

We complemented one another, and our cooperation was impeccable.

I was also quite stunned by how in sync we were.

Nikolai, on the other hand, was putting on airs and had a conscientious look on his face.

Upon seeing this situation, he finally showed a slight change in his expression.

Perhaps he couldn't withstand the pressure any longer.

After all, Bruce was a man of status. Even if he had just sat there, his presence alone was intimidating enough.

Thus, negotiations continued. And in the end, Bruce ended the meeting using Cindy's hunger as an excuse.

Later on, Nikolai tried to keep us. But no matter how he tried, Bruce didn't agree to his suggestion to have a meal together. During this negotiation, it was clear that Bruce had turned the tables for us with a few simple words.

Then, at the parking lot area, the three of us stood together.

Earlier, I'd overheard Bruce on the phone.

John was on his way to pick Bruce and Cindy up, but he was stuck at a junction nearby. So, he would be a few minutes late. Hence, I had no other choice but to wait together with them.

Then, I took notice of Cindy's mood.

She didn't seem too enthusiastic ever since we'd left Nikolai's office. Rather, she looked quite despondent.

She wasn't really good at hiding her feelings and hung her head low. She looked as if she had been defeated.

One could easily tell from her face that she was unhappy.

Bruce noticed this as well and asked in a concerned voice, "Are you tired?"

Cindy looked up.

She took a brief yet cold glance at me before looking down again. Then, she softly sighed.

Upon realizing that I was third-wheeling, I guessed that it was inappropriate for me to continue standing there.

So, quick-witted, I said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Harold. I've got some urgent matters to attend to. I'll be making a move first." Upon hearing that, Cindy fluttered her eyelashes, and a joyful look flashed across her dejected face.

She looked at me and asked, "Aren't you going to have lunch with us, Nance?"

"No. Thank you," I turned her down

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immediately. "I'm not too familiar with this parking area anyway. better be off to look for my parking lot

Swnove

I came up with a reasonable and realistic excuse.

However, when I walked to the

I

jft muddenly realized that

had to head back immediathet

left my phone at Nikolai's office.

As I walked past the junction, subconsciously, I looked toward the spot where Bruce and Cindy were standing.

Cindy was looking at Bruce with an anguished look in her eyes.

She choked back on her tears and said, "I wanted to take this opportunity to share the burden with you. But instead, it felt like you had

more chemistry with

Content

"And as for me, I was only standing by the side like an outsider. I couldn't even chime in."