*
Contrary to what I thought was a lunch meeting, I believed we were going to talk while we ate, but Mr Matthew was very persistent on only having a conversation after a full meal and that it would be disrespectful to the chef if we talked business when such an exquisite meal was placed in front of us.
I remembered Gomez saying something about eating lightly when on official business, so I ordered the seafood pasta, Liam had the grilled chicken breast with a side salad while Mr Matthew ordered a full roast turkey and that was just the first course.
After about a full thirty minutes, Mr Matthew was done with his lunch and was ready to talk.
"I trust that lunch was to your liking?" Mr Matthew asked.
Both Liam and I smiled at Mr Matthew without saying a word.
"If we can get down to business Mr-"
"Tell me, Zara, How's the experience working with the great Liam Richards." Mr Matthew asked me to cut Liam off.
"Urh, it's Cyra sir and I find working with Mr Richards and Fovx Industries a very interesting and new challenge. Thank you." I said smiling before looking at Liam, who pressed a forced smile on his face.
Mr Matthew laughed as if I had just said something really funny, but I still needed to maintain my composure, I was here for Liam and not him.
"Tell me, Liam, what are your plans for working with my construction company?" Mr Matthew asked Liam.
"We've already been over this Mr Matthew, is this necessary?" Liam asked with the same forced smile.
"Well, seeing as this is my first meeting with the beauty Carter, I thought you'd give us a brief run-through of your plans for Fovx and OVA. Isn't that right Lara." Mr Matthew said getting my name wrong the third time.
But that wasn't my main concern, it was Liam's reaction to such trivial taunts, it seemed as if it was getting to him to some extent. Liam took a deep breath as he stated his plans for both Fovx and OVA Constructions, a few minutes later Liam finished his brief rundown.
"Wonderful, as impressive as the first time. You've got an incredible boss there Maya, you could learn a lot from him." Mr Matthew said clapping. I nodded smiling shyly.
"But as I offered earlier, you can come work for me instead, I can give you more than enough experience when it comes to this business and other businesses if you know what I mean." Mr Matthew said winking at me. I felt so disgusted, but because he was still a potential investor, I kept my cool, I couldn't say the same thing about Liam.
"This isn't what we're here for Mr Matthew. If we could-"
"You know Mr Richards, I admire your tenacity as a businessman, but business is all about making connections you see." Mr Matthew said cutting Liam off again which was getting really annoying now.
"You see, I sent over my nephew over yesterday to the interview thinking you'd hire her as a favour, you know as business partners but instead you hire miss Cyra here who I hear didn't even attend the interview... Would you mind explaining things to me or am I to assume that this is one of those boss and secretary relationship thingy my nephew reads on what's it called... Ah, Wattpad?" Mr Matthew said laying accusations.
My phone rang, signifying a message, I replied immediately as I tried to handle the situation.
"I assure you, Mr Matthew, I conducted the interview, your nephew just wasn't cut out for the job," Liam answered crossing his legs and placing his hands on his thighs.
"Ahh, so you knew she was from me. Okay, let's cut to the chase here, I'll hasten our contract to start construction on your new office and other future projects if you'll be willing to give my Holly Cyra's job, you see, she's a very big fan of yours." Mr Matthew said trying to strike a deal with a flawed contract, but I couldn't do anything till the proper papers I needed to have arrived.
"Oh and don't worry about Miss Cyra, I have a special job for her back at my company." I felt disgusted at that remark, I knew I meant nothing to the company yet and according to Gomez this was an important contract, it wouldn't be so unheard of if Liam went through with the negotiation.
But no, Liam was shaking almost frantically under the table, like he was going to burst at any moment, I looked into his eyes and saw a fluctuation between black and brown. Instinctively my hand held his, Liam looked at me as I gave him a small smile with a nod. And just then again, another ring made my phone light up.
Go time!
"Mr Spender was it. I appreciate the offer but I'll be speaking on Mr Richards's behalf from now on. Of course, if that's okay with you." I said with a smile, Liam looked at me but I just smiled nodding slightly for him to trust me.
Liam relaxed instantly as he watched everything play out between Mr Matthew and I, I just hoped Nancy would be here on time.
"That's not a problem but-"
"I found in few lapses in the contract you prepared to sign with Fovx Industries and I would like to address that please," I said cutting Mr Matthew off and from my side, I could swear that I heard Liam chuckle. Mr Matthew cleared his throat aware of what I just did but gestured that I carried on.
"I found that Fovx Industries has agreed to make substantial down payments in order to mitigate the constructor's risk, that's you, of non-payment by us and that reduces the working capital for us apparently. And this was a request made from your side, correct." I started reading directly from the contract.
"Yes, that should reduce the cost incurred by Fovx Industries, generous if I might say, don't you agree Mr Richards." Mr Matthew said turning his attention to Liam, but I again held onto Liam's hand so he wouldn't react and in reaction to this, Liam only smiled.
"If taking on the risks of your company's credits is called generous then, I might have misunderstood the meaning of the word," I said with a smile. Mr Matthew coughed, I poured a glass of water handing it to him with a smile.
Mr Matthew gave me a wary look before accepting the glass and drowning its content.
"Well, er... You see... In business-"
"What about the fact that if we find a breach in the contract, we have to give a prior notice of 6 months or the money would be used to settle damages from an early or late notice," I asked. Mr Matthew cleared his throat again
"Mr Richards, this should be a discussion between us, not some one new be in the industry." Mr Matthew said to Liam trying to get out of the knot he had tied himself.
"Oh, I'm not done Mr Matthew, we still haven't talked about the unclear consequences of delay, if your company fails to work according to schedule," I added, this time of felt Liam hold onto my hand.
"Nonsense, do you even know who you're talking to girl, a snap of my fingers and I could end Fovx Industries because of your impudence-"
"Oh please, be quiet Mr Matthew, well not unless you want these good people around to find out how OVA Constructions uses orphanages and home shelters to extort money from the public and uses bonds to transfer illegally acquired funds," I said calmly.
Sweat broke out on Mr Matthew's forehead with his eyes bulging out of their sockets, he pulled on his suit as he composed himself. Just then, a waiter came with a tray and an envelope.
"A message for Miss Hudson." I took the envelope and read the content, I knew Nancy wouldn't let me down.
"Miss Hudson was it, I believe we got off on the wrong foot, how about we start over, what do you say?" Mr Matthew said trying to get on my good side. I passed the brown envelope to him since no matter what, he was still an investor.
"That's the re-reviewed contract, with the proper clause statements, if you sign it and email it to us by this evening that would be much appreciated. Oh and I'd advise that you go over it too, there could be some over-emphasized clauses there." I said standing up.
"Now, if you'll excuse us, Mr Richards has another meeting with some sponsors in a few minutes. Oh and one more thing. Never distract or cut off my boss whenever he's speaking, that's just rude. Let's have a good day, shall we." I said gesturing that Liam leaves first.
"I hope that takes care of everything Mr Matthew. Thanks for lunch, I'll be covering the bill for the one." Liam said before walking away, I smiled one more time at Mr Matthew before following after Liam.