Chapter 4 4

Alessio

I found it difficult to divert my gaze from her breasts. Recent circumstances hadn't given me much thought about her body, focusing solely on legal strategies to counter her stubbornness. However, watching those full, bouncing mounds in that provocative dress, along with her creamy shoulders and long legs, made me realize I hadn't paid much attention before. The fabric highlighted her hardened peaks, and I couldn't help but be aroused.

Deaf to Matthias still talking on the phone, explaining the agreement he dropped off for her, I settled down. Soft tendrils of her hair made her look younger as she eventually met my gaze. Recalling her boldness, especially during an incident years ago, I acknowledged that she now held my interest. However, mixing business with pleasure wasn't my style, and I presumed she felt the same, considering her serious demeanor. But her choice of dress intrigued me. Though not overtly provocative, I found myself provoked, imagining intimate scenarios. The table seemed like a tempting option, and as I lowered my gaze, I finally tore my eyes away from hers.

Closing the open file before me, I straightened up.

"Sure," I replied to whatever Matthias had said on the phone and ended the call. Linking my hands together, I looked at Lia.

"Long time no see," I greeted, noticing her confused look, possibly recalling our last encounter months earlier or eight years ago in her father's library. Proceeding as though she had forgotten, I asked, "How are you?"

"Good," she responded, extending her hand for a handshake. Attempting to maintain a businesslike demeanor, her choice of dress seemed contradictory.

"So, what's this meeting about?" she cut to the point, and I smiled. Interacting with her would be interesting, especially if our discussions extended beyond tonight.

"A lot," I replied. "As agreed, you're coming to the office tomorrow to discuss and review the terms of our agreement, but before then, I wanted to touch base with you to try to get our interests to align."

She smiled, and my heart skipped a beat. Her confidence and strength were captivating. She was no longer the teenager from years ago but a grown woman with astuteness. I couldn't wait to begin.

"Sure," she replied. "Let us indeed see if our interests can align."

Her words, laden with unspoken meaning, excited me.

"But first, we should eat," I suggested, and she nodded, picking up the menu.

"Sure."

Calling the waiter over, I watched her peruse the menu, biting down on her lip. Whether intentional or absent-minded, the effect on me was undeniable. The attraction was intense, more immediate than I remembered feeling in the past. Perhaps years of focusing on work had heightened my awareness and attention to her. As the waiter arrived, she lifted her head, sending a smile that captivated him, leaving me intrigued by her effect on others.

"That's quite the effect you had on him," I commented, and she met my gaze once again.

As expected, she delivered a sharp comeback.

"What do you mean?" she retorted.

I considered whether to delve into this aspect of our relationship, a pivotal moment where we could set the tone. However, given my broader goals and the need for her cooperation, I opted against it. I wasn't here to dance around issues, and it seemed she shared that sentiment.

"Irrelevant," I dismissed, sitting up. "So, Miss Volkov," I addressed. "Do you mind if we casually speak through dinner, or would you prefer that we wait till we're done eating?"

"Speak through dinner," she agreed. "I have somewhere else to be as soon as our meal is concluded."

This revelation surprised me, shedding light on why she had chosen such attire.

"Alright," I conceded.

"As a courtesy, we've provided you with round-the-clock services, including a chauffeur, an assistant, and a personal shopper. Just say the word, and it will be done," I offered.

"Yeah," she replied, unimpressed. "They've already briefed me on that. Let's get to the business at hand."

Her curt tone stung a bit, but she was right, so I proceeded straight to the point as she desired.

"Have you considered our offer of ten million?" I inquired.

"I have," she affirmed. "But, as you mentioned, there's more to the agreement that we need to talk about, and I, of course, have many questions."

"Please go ahead," I invited, and she took a sip of water before delving into the discussion.

Just as she started, the waiter brought the ordered wine, and we began with that.

"First of all, I find it hard to believe that the other owners are okay with this. I mean, I am aware that I do hold equal equity in the company but still..."

"That's correct," I confirmed, and she pressed on.

"So, what is their stance on me not only receiving this payout but also working as the head of the purchased scent brand? What exactly will change and what will not?"

Sharp and astute, just as expected.

"Well," I replied, "my goal is to align our interests, which I am certain was the intention of our fathers when they divided the assets equally between the four of us."

"Okay, so what do you require of me?" she inquired.

"For starters, I would like you to contribute to the operations of the company in the capacity of part-owner."

Her lack of surprise was expected, given her business acumen and accomplishments so far. She nodded, maintaining an attentive demeanor, somewhat amused.

"I'm assuming that your willingness to consider this is why you made the trip over?" I posed, and she nodded.

"Yes."

"Alright. I understand you mentioned earlier over the phone that you couldn't serve two masters at the same time and that you chose to serve one, which is your company. But if you do accept this purchase offer, we will all be under the same roof, so I hope that you can participate then. Is this an assurance that we can explicitly receive your cooperation?"

Her response was unequivocal.

"No," she stated. "I am seriously considering the acquisition, but only if I am put in full managerial control of my company."

I studied her. "So, this means that you still hold no interest in participating in the major decisions of the company."

"No, I do not," she affirmed. "They're bound to be extremely severe, especially since it affects so many people's lives, so I'd like to stay out of it and focus on what I know how to do well."

Considering her stance, I took the lead in persuading her.