After the meeting, Mateus and Elise walked towards the NeuroSys reception area. Their footsteps echoed through the modern, minimalist hallways, where holographic screens displayed the company's latest innovations. The atmosphere between them, now outside the formal setting of the meeting, seemed slightly more relaxed.
"I like the direction NeuroSys is taking," commented Elise, looking around as they walked. "You have a unique focus on precision technology. It can certainly add value to Montavon in ways that even I hadn't imagined."
Matthew smiled, noticing the complimentary tone in her voice. "I'm glad to hear that. That's our goal, after all, to innovate without losing the connection with our partners."
She stopped, looking back at him, analyzing him carefully. "I would say that the concept of innovation and exclusivity seems to be something our companies have in common. But what about you, Mateus? Are you driven by this need to create something unique or is there something more behind your ambition?"
The unexpected question made Mateus straighten up, surprised by her sincerity. "I think it's a bit of both, actually. Growing and building an empire means constantly proving your worth, so I want to be remembered for something that goes beyond the legacy I've created. What about you, Elise? What motivates you?"
She hesitated, a glimpse of vulnerability crossing her gaze before it was quickly hidden. "My goal is to show that it's possible to create something relevant and lasting without compromising the values that matter to me. Montavon has always been synonymous with exclusivity, but I want it to be more than that. I want it to be an example of sustainability and responsibility."
Mateus nodded, admiring the quiet passion in her words. "It's rare to find someone who combines ambition with principles," he said. "Most people I know in our circle only care about status."
She gave a slight smile. "Maybe we're the exception. But let's face it, status still has its uses."
He laughed, acknowledging the truth in what she was saying. "And speaking of status," he continued, "how about we continue this conversation somewhere less... corporate? I know a discreet restaurant where we can talk without so many formalities."
Elise stared at him, her eyes shining with a mixture of curiosity and distrust. "An interesting offer, Mateus," she replied. "But, as you well know, I'm a careful woman. Let's see if you can surprise me there."
Mateus smiled, enjoying the challenge. "Trust me, I'll try."
As they walked down the hallway toward the exit, Mateus maintained a relaxed tone, but filled with carefully measured innuendos. He knew how to pique Elise's curiosity without being too obvious.
"So, Elise," he began, with a slightly enigmatic smile, "besides saving the planet and redefining the luxury market, is there anything else on your bucket list?"
Elise laughed, a little surprised by his lighthearted tone, and shook her head. "I think that's more than enough for one person, don't you think?"
Mateus raised an eyebrow. "Hm... I'd say you're still underestimating your potential. Or maybe you're just hiding some secret ambitions."
She blushed slightly, looking away. "Well, I'd say my ambitions are a little more practical than secret. I like to see concrete results."
"Concrete? Well, that makes it more interesting," he replied, leaning slightly toward her as they walked. "Because I've always thought that the best ambitions are the ones that no one else understands... or that maybe even you yourself don't fully understand."
She looked at him, intrigued, a slight amusement shining in her eyes. "And you, Matthew? What is your 'misunderstood' ambition then?"
Matthew paused for a moment, feigning an air of mystery. "Let's just say… it's something that requires patience and a lot of strategy," he replied, his eyes fixed on hers. "But sometimes the most interesting rewards are those that come without warning."
She laughed, clearly amused, but a shadow of a blush crept onto her face. "Ah, so the CEO of NeuroSys also has a… impulsive side?"
"I would say I'm only impulsive when I see it's worth taking a risk," he said, with a crooked smile. "And who knows, maybe today is one of those occasions."
She tried to hide her reaction, but her blush became more evident. "That sounds like someone trying to make me lower my guard," she replied, defiantly, but with a sincere smile.
Mateus leaned closer, as if he were going to reveal a secret. "What if I told you that maybe that's true? I'm just curious to see how far you let people go."
Elise looked away quickly, the smile remaining on her lips. "You're bolder than you look, Mateus. But don't forget, curiosity can be dangerous."
He chuckled softly. "Ah, but sometimes danger is the spice that's missing to make everything... interesting." -skip
Elise gave a soft laugh, but her eyes showed that she was trying to keep control, although she was clearly amused. "Interesting... so you like a little risk, Matthew?" she asked, trying to sound casual, but clearly teasing.
He smiled, leaning in a little closer, as if sharing a confidence. "Let's just say that risk makes everything more worthwhile. But of course, there are risks... and there are risks. Some are irresistible."
She bit her lip, the blush still present, and shook her head. "I think you must be a bad influence, you know? First you convince me to leave the meeting, and now you're trying to make me believe that danger is irresistible."
He made an expression of false innocence. "Me? Bad influence? Actually, I think you're the one responsible for this chemistry between us." He winked, leaving a margin of ambiguity in his sentence. "After all, I'm just trying to get to know you better, right?"
She laughed, but couldn't hide the blush that was only growing. "Well, I also believe that getting to know people has its value... especially when the outcome is unpredictable."
Mateus stopped, feigning surprise. "Unpredictable? Elise Montavon, I would never expect such a focused and elegant woman to like the unexpected. Is that a secret you usually keep to yourself?"
She shrugged, smiling, but her eyes didn't hide the amusement. "Let's just say there are sides of me that few people know about, Mateus. And I like to keep things that way."
He gestured, inviting her to follow him to the car that was already waiting at the entrance of the building. "So, it seems it's up to me to find out a little more about those secret sides. Who knows what we'll discover tonight?"
Elise got into the car, shaking her head, but with a smile that made it clear that she was enjoying the game of teasing. "Okay, Matthew. Let's see where your curiosity will take you."