Logan glanced at Kalina, his Co-CEO, as she finished her conversation with Ophelia. "Next meetings with Lyra and Atticus, right?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Kalina nodded, her expression neutral. "Yes, regarding the potential merger."
Logan raised an eyebrow. "You think they suspect anything?"
Kalina's gaze remained steady. "I doubt it. They think I'm just a silent partner in this deal, and the merger itself is the main reason."
Logan's eyes widened slightly, aware of the hidden dynamics at play. "Are you sure about this, Kalina? Are you sure you want to reveal yourself? What about Atticus, who has been suspecting you of foul play?"
Kalina stood, her confidence and authority palpable. "Shall we, Logan?"
Logan sighed, already thinking about the drama that was going to unfold that late morning.
As they were about to leave the meeting room, Rachel appeared in front of Logan, stopping them in their tracks. "Mr. Logan, it's almost time for your next meeting, the merger discussion with Regal Empire. They booked a reservation at Bistro Bliss, the new high-end spot downtown. CEO Lyra said a relaxed environment would be perfect for this meeting."
Kalina folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Who's the meeting with?"
"CEO Lyra and Mr. Atticus," Rachel replied. "They're working on that project together, and they're looking forward to meeting the Co-CEO with you."
Logan and Kalina exchanged a glance, their eyes locking for a few seconds before turning back to Rachel.
"Power couple, huh?" Kalina said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Logan shot her a warning look. "Kalina, come on."
Kalina smirked. "What? I'm just stating the obvious."
Rachel nodded, oblivious to the tension. "Yes, they're quite the team. Shall I escort you to the restaurant?"
Logan nodded. "No, thanks, Rachel."
"Well, make sure everything is set. We'll leave now," Logan said.
Rachel nodded and disappeared from the doorway, leaving Logan and Kalina alone.
"Cheer up, boo, nothing disastrous will happen," Kalina said, patting Logan's shoulder. "You're so tense!"
"If it were Lyra alone, I wouldn't worry, but Atticus is there, and you guys are like fire and ice. I can't help but feel like something disastrous is going to happen," Logan said, looking into Kalina's eyes.
Kalina rolled her eyes and said, "Stop being dramatic, Logan. Don't worry about Atticus; I'll handle him."
She patted his back, signaling they should leave, and walked towards the doorway. "
You're driving, Logan. It's been long since I was a passenger princess," Kalina said with a smile, her eyes sparkling in the morning light.
Logan didn't argue and followed her to the elevator.
Logan and Kalina arrived at Bistro Bliss in Logan's sleek Mercedes. He held the door open for Kalina, and she stepped out, her stilettos clicking on the pavement.
Logan chuckled and followed her out of the car, his eyes scanning the restaurant's exterior before settling on Kalina. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked, his voice low and amused.
Kalina's smile widened, and she nodded. "Maybe a little."
Together, they walked into the restaurant, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As they entered Bistro Bliss, the hostess greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome! You must be the Regal Empire team? Your reservation is ready. Right this way, please."
Kalina followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the restaurant's interior. "Excuse me," she said, her voice polite. "Where's the lavatory, please?"
The hostess pointed down the hall. "Just around the corner, ma'am. I'll have someone show you the way."
A young waiter appeared at Kalina's side. "I'll take you to the lavatory, ma'am. Follow me."
Kalina nodded and followed the waiter, leaving Logan and the hostess to continue to the reserved room.
"This way, sir," the hostess said, leading Logan through the bustling restaurant.
As Logan followed the hostess to the private dining room, his stomach twisted into knots. He could only imagine how this meeting would go once Kalina revealed her identity to Lyra and Atticus.
"Ah, this way, sir," the hostess said, gesturing to the door.
Logan nodded, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. He took a deep breath and composed himself, following the hostess into the room.
The hostess opened the door and Logan plastered on a polite smile as he entered. Lyra and Atticus were already seated, Lyra's expression coolly impassive as always.
"Mr. Logan," Lyra said with a curt nod. "I trust your Co-CEO partner will be joining us?"
Atticus leaned forward, his eyes fixed intently on Logan. "Yes, I was under the impression they would be present for negotiations of this importance."
Logan nodded, trying to appear confident. "They will be here shortly. Shall we order some appetizers while we wait?"
Lyra waved a hand dismissively. "Very well."
They made small talk as they perused the menus, the tension in the air palpable. A few minutes later, the distinct click of heels came from the hallway. Logan looked up, his heart racing in anticipation.
The door opened and Kalina swept in, her presence commanding attention. Lyra's eyes widened in shock, her gaze fixed on Kalina.
"Kalina?" Lyra's voice was laced with disbelief.
Atticus's lips pressed into a tight line, eyeing Kalina like she was an unwelcome disturbance. He didn't greet her, instead, his eyes narrowed, awaiting her explanation.
"What are you doing here?" Lyra demanded, her tone accusatory. "Do you have business with someone?"
Atticus's eyes narrowed dangerously, his gaze never leaving Kalina's face.
Kalina gave a slight bow, her smile charming. "My apologies for the lateness. Allow me to introduce myself - I'm Kalina, Co-CEO of Fruit Shaker."
The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning. Logan held his breath, wondering how this would play out. For a fleeting second, Lyra's eyes widened slightly in surprise before her expression settled back into her infamous poker face. She gave a small nod, as if begrudgingly impressed.
Atticus, on the other hand, was utterly shocked. His eyes were wide behind his glasses, his mouth slightly agape. "She's your Co-CEO partner?" he asked Logan, his voice laced with disbelief.
Logan simply nodded, leaving Atticus visibly stunned that Kalina had created her own company. Atticus's gaze lingered on Kalina, his expression a mix of awe and curiosity.
Pushing back her chair, Lyra rose to her feet and performed a slight curtsy. "Well then, allow me to properly introduce myself - Lyra, CEO of Regal Empire." She extended her hand, her eyes locked on Kalina.
Kalina stepped forward and took it, giving it a firm shake. "A fellow businesswoman, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance." She matched Lyra's formal tone, her smile warm and genuine.
"Likewise," Lyra replied crisply, her eyes never leaving Kalina's face. "I must say, I'm impressed you've built a company significant enough to entertain a merger."
A small smile played across Kalina's lips. "Why, thank you. I could say the same about you and Regal Empire." She released Lyra's hand, her gaze never wavering.
Lyra gave a regal nod of acknowledgment, her expression softening ever so slightly. "I trust you're prepared for today's agenda?"
Kalina responded with her business smile. "Yes, though perhaps we should dine first? It's not wise to negotiate on an empty stomach."
A genuine smile broke through Lyra's typically cool demeanor, her face shining with unmistakable pride and adoration for her younger sister. "An excellent suggestion," she agreed warmly, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.
The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by an air of anticipation and curiosity. Logan exhaled slowly, relieved that the initial shock had passed. Atticus still looked stunned, but his gaze had shifted from disbelief to unreadable.
As they sat down to order their meals, the conversation flowed easily, the four of them discussing everything from business strategies to personal interests. The atmosphere was cordial, the undercurrent of competition and negotiation momentarily set aside.
For now, they were simply four business professionals enjoying a meal together, each waiting for the other shoe to drop.