Chapter 394
Chapter 394:
“The Edwards Group only moves your products through brick-and-mortar stores,” Asher said. “In this country, online retail outpaces physical retail by ten percent. Give me the exclusive digital rights, and I guarantee your annual figures reach this.” He dipped a finger in his water glass and traced a number across the surface of the table.
Leo stared at it for a moment, then shook his head with a good-natured wave of his hand. “It’s my day off. Let’s eat and enjoy ourselves — business can wait. Here, have a drink with me. This is Kelringer, our most celebrated local beer.” He raised his glass and held Asher’s gaze, making it politely but unmistakably clear that he intended to wait.
Asher glanced down at his legs, the pressure evident. He was not supposed to be drinking.
“Kelringer?” Kristine said, drawing both men’s attention. “I’ve read about that. They say it’s remarkably fresh — a strong grain character.” She leaned forward slightly. “Would you mind if I tried some p>
Leo looked pleasantly surprised. “You know our beer p>
“Could I have a taste?” she asked again with a small smile.
𝖠𝗱𝖽𝗶cti𝘷е 𝗇о𝘃𝗲𝘭𝘴 on
“By all means,” Leo said, gesturing toward the glass.
Kristine lifted it and took a generous sip before setting it back down.
“Well?” Leo asked, watching her with open curiosity.
“The grain is bold, definitely,” Kristine said, “but the clove and banana undertones keep it from feeling heavy. I understand completely why it’s considered the country’s finest.” She gave him a sincere, enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Leo’s face opened into a broad smile, and he launched into the full history of the Kelringer brand.
Kristine listened closely, her eyes bright with genuine interest, nodding as he spoke.
Across the table, Asher watched her, and the tension that had been sitting across his shoulders quietly loosened.
In the warm glow of the restaurant lights, her complexion looked luminous. The beer had brought a faint flush to her cheeks, and when she smiled, her eyes curved into soft crescents that were difficult not to stare at. Asher hadn’t touched a drop, but watching her made him feel strangely lightheaded.
When the conversation reached a natural pause, Kristine sensed her moment. She reached under the table and produced a gift box. “Mr. Ford, Asher chose this especially for you. Please open it p>
Leo looked at the elegant box with the detached expression of a man who had received more gifts than he could count. “What is it?” he asked, not bothering to hide his indifference.
“A Valenriche, model 3929SG,” Kristine said.
The boredom vanished from Leo’s face in an instant. “You can’t be serious. That model dates to 1939. There are only two known to exist — one is in a museum, and the other is held by a private collector. How on earth did you get hold of it, Ms. Green p>
Kristine smiled calmly. “Why don’t you open it and find out p>
Leo didn’t believe her, but he opened the box anyway. There it sat — the 3929SG, exactly as described.
He stared at her as though she had just performed an act of witchcraft.
Even Asher turned to look at her, visibly caught off guard.
“Where did you get this?” Leo asked, his voice unsteady with barely contained excitement.