*Adrian's POV:*
As soon as the competition commenced, Federick approached me with a discreet nod. "Karen and his lawyers are waiting in the meeting room, sir."
I nodded in response, making my way to the meeting. The sound of raised voices carried from inside the room, but as I entered, the arguing ceased. The room fell silent, with all eyes on me.
I strode confidently towards the head of the table, my shoes clicking on the floor. With a calm, authoritative demeanor, I took my seat, surveying the room with a piercing gaze.
Karen, seated across from me, spoke up, "Good morning, Master Adrian."
I replied, my voice even, "Morning, Karen."
As I scanned the documents before me, Karen stood, launching into a detailed explanation of how signing the contract would benefit my company. I listened intently, my expression unreadable.
The deal was enticing, but I knew that securing a contract with me would be a significant coup for Karen's company. As a shrewd businessman, I wasn't about to let them get the better end of the deal.
After careful consideration, I looked up, my gaze locking onto Karen's. "I've reviewed the contract, and I'm willing to make a deal. However, the terms will be 70-30, not 50-50. Take it or leave it." I said with an authoritative tone...
As I delivered my ultimatum, Karen's lawyers launched into a flurry of negotiations, attempting to sway me towards a more favorable split. I remained resolute, but after a few rounds of back-and-forth, we finally settled on a 65-35 deal.
With the terms agreed upon, Karen and I exchanged a firm handshake, sealing the contract. As I turned to leave, Federick follwed into step beside me, and we made our way back to the main hall.
As we walked, my gaze swept the room, and my eyes landed on Mrs. Confidence. She was smiling brightly, chatting with a guy who seemed entirely too enthralled by her presence. A spark of irritation flared within me, followed by a wave of intense jealousy.
I couldn't explain why I felt this way. It was irrational, unjustified. But as I watched Mrs. Confidence laugh and flirt with this stranger, I couldn't shake the feeling of possessiveness that had taken hold of me.My eyes locked onto Stella, my gaze intense, as if I could tear the guy standing beside her apart with just a thought. She sensed my stare, her eyes lifting to meet mine. For a fleeting moment, our gazes clashed, the air thick with tension.
Federick, ever the astute observer, cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Sir, the judges are waiting," he reminded me, his voice low.
I tore my gaze away from Stella, following Federick into the judges' room. But my mind lingered on the scene I'd just witnessed. Why was Stella smiling so brightly with another guy? And why did it ignite a fire of rage within me?
I couldn't shake the feeling of unease, my thoughts consumed by the image of Stella laughing with someone else. It was a feeling I couldn't quite explain, but it left me with a growing sense of discontent....