A Deal and an Invitation

Ashley adjusted her blazer as she entered the conference room, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Moreno’s son, Ethan, stood when she walked in, his smile wide and confident.

“Miss Donaldson,” Ethan greeted warmly, extending his hand.

Ashley shook it firmly, noticing the way his eyes lingered on hers. His gaze wasn’t just polite; it held a certain admiration. She ignored it, taking her seat across the table.

“Mr. Moreno,” she said with a small smile. “Shall we get started?”

Ethan nodded, but his smile lingered. “I must say, meeting you in person is quite different from the reports I’ve read. Demitri spoke very highly of your leadership.”

Ashley’s brow lifted slightly. “He did?”

“Yes. He said you’ve transformed the Donaldson boards into one of the most efficient and forward-thinking enterprises in the city.” Ethan’s tone was earnest, but there was a glimmer of something else—curiosity, perhaps.

Ashley leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. Why would Demitri praise me to him? she wondered.

Ethan continued, seemingly unaware of her internal conflict. “It made me wonder why my father never partnered with the Donaldsons before, considering how long our families have known each other.”

Ashley nodded thoughtfully. “Timing, I suppose.”

“Or maybe it’s because we didn’t know about you, Emerald Donaldson. You’re like a missing piece of the puzzle,” Ethan added, his voice lowering slightly, “and I know I won’t regret this partnership.”

Before Ashley could respond, the door to the conference room creaked open, and Demitri strode in, his presence commanding as always.

“Apologies for being late,” Demitri said smoothly, though his eyes darted between Ashley and Ethan, his jaw tightening slightly.

Ethan waved it off. “No problem at all. We were just getting started.”

Demitri took a seat beside Ashley, his shoulders brushing hers ever so slightly. “Good. Let’s dive into the terms.”

For the next hour, the discussion was strictly business. Ashley outlined the proposal with precision, and Ethan countered with questions and clarifications.

Demitri chimed in occasionally, his voice calm but firm, always steering the conversation toward an agreement favorable for both parties.

Ashley, determined to keep things professional, called Clara into the room once the details were finalized.

“Clara, draft the contract immediately,” she instructed.

“Yes, ma’am,” Clara replied, leaving the room to handle the task.

As they waited, Ethan turned to Ashley. “You know, this partnership feels… natural. Like it was always meant to happen.”

Ashley gave a polite smile, brushing off the subtle flirtation in his tone. “I’m glad you feel that way. I’m confident it will be mutually beneficial.”

When Clara returned with the contract, they reviewed it carefully before signing. Ashley felt a sense of accomplishment as they all stood to shake hands.

“Looking forward to working with you, Miss Donaldson,” Ethan said, holding her hand a moment longer than necessary.

“Likewise,” Ashley replied, ignoring the faint tension she could feel emanating from Demitri beside her.

But before she could step away, Ethan spoke again. “Miss Donaldson,” he began, his voice soft but deliberate. “Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner sometime?”

Ashley blinked in surprise, the room suddenly feeling too small. She glanced at Demitri, whose expression darkened instantly. His jaw clenched, his hands balled into fists at his sides.

“I think that’s highly unprofessional,” Demitri interjected, his voice tight.

Ethan chuckled lightly. “I don’t see how it is. Our business here is concluded. This is a personal invitation.”

Ashley, caught between the two men, felt the weight of their gazes. Ethan’s was hopeful, and Demitri’s was furious.

Before she could overthink it, she nodded slowly. “I’d like that very much.”

Demitri’s sharp intake of breath was the only sound as Ethan smiled, his satisfaction evident.