SWNOVELS Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Quinnlyn and Patricia exchanged glances in the back seat. They couldn't hear Mikayla's call, but her expression made it clear it wasn't a pleasant one. This is how it is with rich families; they thought. However, not being the ones to gossip, they remained silent for the rest of the ride.
The black car pulled up in front of the Prairie Hotel. Mikayla got out, regaining her composure. "Patricia, play it by ear later. When you see him, flatter him, but be tactful, she instructed.
They arrived at the reserved private room twenty minutes early. Mikayla had Quinnlyn confirm with the hotel staff that everything was ready They muted their phones and waited.
"Mr. Ziegler, welcome! Quinnlyn's voice called from outside the room, reaching Mikayla and Patricia inside.
Mikayla stood up and plastered an elegant smile.
"Mr. Ziegler, this way, please! Quinnlyn led Conrad Ziegler, a middle-aged man of medium build, into the private room.
The previous day, Salvatore Group sent Quinnlyn to discuss collaboration with him, so he was aware of their intentions for this dinner. He had heard the latest gossip about Salvatore Group, his long-time business partner. Initially, he was skeptical. He didn't think women should be in business meetings, especially someone like Mikayla, who came from a rich family. 'Shouldn't she be gardening or doing something domestic? Could the rumors be true that Jorge wants her to take over? he wondered, knowing the world of high society wasn't always conventional
The impressive array of food on the table caught his eye. Although Conrad was the top authority at Northill Factory, it was the first time he felt respected as such. Usually, wealthy people didn't take him seriously and often looked down on him. At every Salvatore Group event he attended, their other business partners always overshadowed him, leaving him feeling ignored to the end,
Mikayla pulled out the chair at the head of the table and invited Conrad to sit.
You're Mr. Jorge Salvatore's daughter? Conrad couldn't believe someone bom with a silver spoon could be so poised and attentive.
"Why Don't I look like him?" Mikayla answered, already knowing what Conrad was thinking. That was her goal all along. From the moment Conrad entered the room, she had anticipated his every move. "You do! You definitely are Mr. Jorge Salvatore's daughter. The way you carry yourself is impressive! Conrad smiled.
Mikayla gave Patricia a subtle nod. Patricia grabbed a bottle of top-shelf whiskey, sat beside Conrad, and poured him a glass.
"Conrad"" Patricia called out friendly.
"And you are?" Conrad was taken aback by the sudden appearance of a beautiful woman beside him, but quickly caught on. His eyes widened when he saw the bottle of expensive whiskey. He didn't expect them to know his taste and be so generous.
Having worked in public relations, Patricia was excellent at dealing with people. After three rounds of drinking, Mikayla noticed Conrad was somewhat complacent from the overwhelming flattery. Patricia knew how to pull her punches 'Conrad, Ms. Salvatore is very sincere about that...
Conrad's face darkened. He raised the glass and then put it down, "Alas! I can't make the decision alone."
It was obvious he was making excuses. Mikayla sneered, "Mr. Ziegler, everyone knows that while Northill Factory may have two official heads, you're the one really in charge."
"Ms. Salvatore, you don't understand. A large factory like ours has many employees to support! It's fine if I skip a meal, but I can't let others go hungry, Conrad replied, sticking to a bureaucratic tone,
Seeing Mikayla stay quiet, Conrad thought, 'She's still a greenhom. He then added, "We've signed a ten-year deal with Salvatore Group, agreeing not to take any outside orders while Salvatore Group wouldn't choose another manufacturer. We've worked together for years and it's been great. But you can't just sacrifice us to make a quick profit, right?"
our future orders won't be less than the existing ones, instead you might see an increase?" Mikayla asked.
"What if your