Chapter 4 Partnership Agreement

Violetta was infuriated to find her father enjoying coffee in his office. Having just finished a meeting with her team, she had to brace herself for a scolding from her father, who had come all the way from Russia.

"What's with the way you welcome your Dad?"

"Why didn't Mr. Dominic inform me beforehand that he was coming here?"

"Hey! I'm your father!"

"In the company, you're my boss." Violetta slumped onto the sofa, observing her father giving her a meaningful smile. "What's going on? Why is Dad looking at me like that?"

"NVD Airlines hasn't given any updates on the collaboration I proposed. It's been a week since I sent the contract to them."

"Really?" Violetta looked surprised.

Dominic squinted suspiciously at Violetta. "You didn't make any mistakes when lobbying them, did you?"

"Of course not!" she emphasized.

Dominic was taken aback, and Violetta tried to feign a frustrated expression. In truth, she was glad that her hope to discontinue the collaboration with NVD might come true.

"Vio, we can't afford to lose the collaboration contract with them. Opening a branch here would be in vain if I can't control the largest airline company in the country," he said.

"But we've successfully developed the airport with the best digital facilities designed by Ben, Dad. Isn't that enough?" Violetta retorted.

Dominic sighed deeply, then looked at his daughter with a sharp gaze. "Should I ask Ares for help to finalize the contract?"

Violetta was taken aback; she gritted her teeth and took a slow breath. "I will meet with NVD directly to discuss this. Dad doesn't need to worry."

Violetta disliked Dominic continuously dragging her brother into business problems. She was well aware that Ares's negotiation skills were excellent and recognized by several big companies, but if it continued like this, Violetta's own abilities would never develop.

Even though Violetta knew that Dominic's real intention in involving Ares in business matters was a cunning way for her brother not to forget his future role as the main heir to Bolshoy.

In the midst of their conversation, Helena entered the room to deliver the coffee Violetta had ordered and hand over the summary notes from her team meeting.

"Is she your new secretary?" Dominic asked.

Helena nodded, giving a smile to Dominic.

"Her name is Helena. She's already married and has two children. So far, her performance has been quite good," Violetta replied.

Helena was taken aback by Violetta's statement. Since when was she married, let alone having two children?

"Really? I thought she was too young for a woman with two children." Dominic's face showed pity.

"Sorry, actually..."

"Get out! Contact NVD again and find out when they can confirm a meeting with me!" interjected Violetta before Helena could explain her true status.

"Alright, Miss, excuse me." Helena was so frustrated. Before she could correct the misinformation about her personal life, Violetta kicked her out.

"Do you have to be so harsh?" Dominic scolded.

"I'm just being cautious, Dad. I don't want a situation like Aphrodite's to happen again."

Dominic immediately lost his temper; he berated Violetta until she covered her ears. "Don't bring up that issue! I couldn't even bear to hold my grandkids because of that incident."

Violetta couldn't hold back her laughter, making Dominic even more irritated. Who would have thought that the woman he had once courted would end up marrying his own son?

"You should give me grandchildren soon too! Are you going to stay single like this forever?" Dominic continued.

"Dad! Why are you talking about that?" Violetta retorted, displeased.

"What's wrong with it? I deserve grandchildren after raising you! Look at Elias; he already has a child. But you?! Oh God, you're wasting my perfect genes. Don't you realize that your beautiful face can win the hearts of many men out there?!"

Dominic was deeply frustrated about this. His only beloved daughter chose to remain single when many men desired her.

"Vio, would you consider blind dates? Or an arranged marriage?" he persuaded.

"What is that? I don't want that!" Violetta firmly refused.

"Then live as a nun!" Dominic snapped, losing his patience.

Violetta was taken aback, then she observed Dominic, who loosened his tie with labored breath. It seemed like her father was genuinely frustrated with her.

"Should I do it?" she asked cautiously.

Dominic glanced at his daughter, then a faint smile appeared on his face. Dominic approached Violetta, holding her hand with hope. "Will you go for an arranged marriage?"

"No! I will become a nun."

"VIOLETTA!" Dominic jerked Violetta's hand, then stood up from his chair.

"Come on, Dad, being single in this day and age is not taboo anymore. As long as that choice makes me happy, you should support me, right?" Violetta smiled broadly, trying to convince her father.

Dominic snorted, then he laughed, mocking his daughter's choice. "Fine, then after I return, I will handle the documents for civil records."

"What documents?"

"The termination of the family relationship between father and daughter!"

"Dad!"

Dominic ignored her and left Violetta's room. Violetta pouted in frustration, even throwing her meeting notes on the floor. How could she get married? She couldn't do it!

The door to the room was then knocked.

"Come in!"

Helena entered Violetta's room and her eyes widened at the sight of scattered notes on the floor.

"What's going on?"

"NVD has finally given an update. They invite us to dinner to discuss the collaboration contract."

"Alright, where is it?"

"FK Lounge & Resto."

"FK?" Violetta exclaimed.

"Yes, Miss."

Violetta rubbed her temples. She was initially happy that NVD hadn't provided any information about the continuation of their collaboration. However, her father came and questioned her about it. If she withdrew from the collaboration, her father might truly remove her name from the family list. But if she continued the collaboration, it meant dealing with FK. In this situation, Violetta had no other choice.

***

Violetta confidently walked into the restaurant. Her beautiful and attractive appearance successfully captured the attention of those present. Helena couldn't help but wonder how God could create such a perfect form like Violetta, who was so different from her annoying attitude.

"It seems like FK really likes luxury, but why do I feel like this is a bit excessive?" Violetta observed the opulence of the restaurant's interior.

Then a manager approached them and asked about their purpose.

"We have a meeting appointment with NVD, have they made a reservation?"

"You're from Bolshoy?"

Helena nodded.

"All right, then I'll take you to the VIP room."

Violetta sighed, then walked following the restaurant manager.

Apparently, the VIP room was quite far away. They had to walk through a long corridor, and when they exited the corridor, the luxurious atmosphere in front of them had turned into a starry night as the roof allowed a direct view of the sky.

"Miss, are we also going to meet the CEO of FK?" Helena whispered.

"I don't know, this conversation should only be between Bolshoy and NVD. But if that happens, I'm ready with all the ammunition."

The manager opened the door to the VIP room for them, and when they entered, the NVD representatives were already there. And the person they were worried about-FK-was not there.

"Good evening, sorry we're late," Violetta said as she shook hands with NVD's CEO, Fabian.

"You're not late, we just arrived as well."

Violetta sat across from Fabian, a middle-aged man who seemed friendly due to his smile.

"I've seen you at various Bolshoy corporate events before. But this is the first time we're talking directly. I'm curious, how great is a Violetta often praised by Dominic? Are you as talented as your two siblings?"

Violetta smiled wryly. She then ran her fingers through her hair, sitting up straight and staring sharply at Fabian. "I'm sure you've already looked into my background. Now, do you just need proof?"

Fabian nodded.

"I'm not one to beat around the bush. If you need evidence, go ahead and sign the contract. Besides, we need to be aware of each other's positions. This collaboration will benefit both parties, but who will benefit more?"

Fabian, who had been sitting casually, immediately changed his sitting position. The person sitting next to him began to look uneasy.

"NVD Airlines is the most sought-after airline in the country. You even rank among the top ten best airlines in the world. Unfortunately, the plane accidents involving NVD in the last two years have eroded people's trust in NVD."

"Rumors spread quickly," Fabian commented.

"That's how it goes."

Fabian rubbed his chin, contemplating something. "The problem is, two days ago, NVD held an emergency shareholder meeting. The result of that meeting ended with the acquisition of NVD by FK, which now holds the largest shares."

Violetta was astonished, she glanced at Helena.

"The discussion of this contract needs to be postponed until the legalities of this acquisition are resolved," Fabian stated.

"Why are you only telling us now?" Violetta snapped.

"We're in a dilemma. FK wants to take over, but FK also still wants to collaborate with Bolshoy."

"To hell with it! If it's FK, we refuse the investment." Violetta immediately stood up from her chair in frustration. But Helena quickly restrained her and asked her to sit back down and reconsider her decision.

"Miss, you can't reject immediately. You have to discuss this decision with Mr. Dom."

Violetta glared sharply at Fabian; she was truly annoyed at being played like this. From the beginning, she didn't want to deal with FK, but why did NVD have to be acquired by FK?

The door to the room opened, and Violetta turned towards it. She couldn't react anymore when the big man, the CEO of FK, came in pushing a trolley with food.

"Sorry, I'm late. But as compensation, I've prepared the best appetizers from our restaurant."

"Can I still eat after being betrayed like this?" Violetta grumbled in frustration.

Helena swallowed nervously, fearing her boss would explode again. Especially since this big man showed up in the meeting.

Matteo placed the appetizers in front of each person who had come. However, he behaved differently when placing the dish in front of Violetta.

Matteo gave her a smirk, which Violetta interpreted as a sign that the battle was about to begin. Matteo then sat next to Violetta, never taking his eyes off her.

"Alright, please enjoy your appetizers, and then let's discuss work matters," Matteo said.

Violetta immediately stood up, glaring sharply at Matteo, who seemed unfazed. "There's nothing more to discuss. My business with NVD is done. So, enjoy your meal. Good night." Violetta quickly walked away from their table, followed by Helena.

"During the journey here, I already discussed this acquisition with Mr. Dominic over the phone," Matteo said.

Violetta's steps halted immediately, and she turned to face Matteo.

"Your father asked me to reconsider this collaboration contract with his daughter because he's on his way to Russia."

Violetta clenched her fists tightly. How could her father do that and not inform her immediately? Was it intentional, still lingering from their argument earlier this afternoon?

Matteo's gaze turned sharp, his fingers tapping on the table as he silently counted in his mind.

One... Two... Three... Four...

"Even my own father stabbed me in the back," Violetta grumbled, then walked back to her seat.

Five...

Violetta sat down again, and Matteo grinned in triumph.

"Violetta, we meet again at last," Matteo whispered.

"It's regrettable." Violetta glanced at him briefly, then reluctantly started eating her appetizer.

"Do you two already know each other?" Fabian asked.

"Not really. Before, I just considered him a foolish casino owner," Violetta replied firmly.

Fabian was quite surprised, and everyone present was equally shocked by Violetta's straightforward words. However, Matteo himself laughed at it.

"Well then, starting tonight, let's get to know each other better." Matteo extended his hand.

With a sense of annoyance, Violetta reluctantly shook his hand.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Matteo, the CEO of Faragos Kingdom."

"Violetta, the CMO of Bolshoy."

Matteo tightened his grip, smiling widely. "Caught you!"