Chapter 97
Chapter 97:
At the door, Dana didn’t hesitate. She put on her most practiced smile and walked in with confidence. “Mr. Holt, it’s wonderful to finally meet you. We appreciate the opportunity p>
Kent Holt’s eyes lit up the moment the three of them entered. A relaxed grin spread across his face as he reached out to take Dana’s hand. The contact lingered a moment too long, and he raised an eyebrow with interest. “Ms. Harvey p>
After Dana confirmed with a nod, he continued, “To be honest, your title doesn’t usually warrant a meeting with me directly. The original negotiations were with your boss. But I see he sent three lovely ladies in his place. Clearly, he knows my preferences. I’ve never been able to resist good company p>
Something flickered briefly in Dana’s eyes before her smile sealed it away perfectly. “You’re right, of course. I’m not as significant as my boss, but he genuinely couldn’t be here tonight. We hope you’ll overlook that and give us the chance. Whatever you’d like to discuss, we’re entirely at your disposal p>
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮
Kent let out a slow, considering breath, then relented. “Fine. But aren’t you going to introduce your colleagues p>
Dana glanced back and gave Kailey and Zaria a subtle cue. “These are our designers, Kailey and Zaria. If you have any questions on that front, Mr. Holt, they’re the best people to answer p>
Both managed polite greetings, even though neither of them had any real desire to be there.
Kent studied them for a moment with quiet interest before saying nothing further.
They took their seats around the table.
Events like this always seemed to involve round after round of drinks. Along with Kent, his assistant hovered nearby—overly attentive, quick to top up every glass the moment it dipped.
Whenever Dana tried to steer the conversation toward business, Kent deflected easily, shifting topics without effort. After a while, he leaned back and remarked, “Come on, let’s not spend the whole evening talking shop. We’re sharing a table—surely you see me as more than just a business partner p>
For a brief second, Dana looked caught off guard—but that gave way quickly to a wide grin as she stepped over to Kailey and Zaria and tugged them both to their feet. “Why would you think that? We came tonight because we want to get to know you, Mr. Holt. Just look at Kailey and Zaria—they really admire you p>
She turned to the two of them with a pointed nudge. “Come on, both of you. Raise a toast to Mr. Holt p>
A quick glance passed between Kailey and Zaria, and in that instant they both understood—Dana had pulled them over to absorb the drinks. Standing face to face with Kent, however, left them no real room to refuse.
Zaria steadied herself and lifted her glass with a polished, professional smile. “Mr. Holt, we hope our future collaboration goes smoothly p>
“You must be Zaria.” Kent raised a brow with a faint grin, studied her briefly, then shifted his attention to Kailey. “And you’re Kailey. Being young really is something. Everything about it feels good. Come on—let’s drink together p>