Chapter 6 Unexpected Encounters

Eva pulled into the modern office complex housing Apex Mobility's headquarters, immediately feeling out of place.

She still couldn't fathom why a vehicle company wanted to meet with her, given her field of work.

But they reached out persistently, and she was too curious not to take the meeting. "Well, let's see what ideas they have in mind," she murmured, reviewing her portfolio one last time.

She had chosen an outfit that felt edgy yet professional - a bold crimson pantsuit with a plunging neckline, accented by a striking necklace of interlocking gold rings. It represented her brand's aesthetic well.

Upon entering the sleek lobby, the company's logo loomed large on the wall behind the reception desk, reminding Eva this wasn't her typical crowd. The receptionist led her politely to a conference room down a stark white hallway.

Eva's surprise was evident when Oscar Hayes entered the room. She recognized him instantly as the arrogant man she'd spilled her drink on at her recent birthday party.

"Ms. Thornfield, wonderful to see you again," Oscar greeted smoothly, extending his hand.

"Mr. Hayes, what an unexpected coincidence," Eva managed, shaking his hand briefly. "Please, call me Oscar," he replied with a smirk.

Eva gave a thin smile, taking a seat across the glossy table and opening her portfolio, eager to get on with the meeting.

Oscar settled into the leather chair at the head of the table. "I appreciate you taking the time to come discuss opportunities. As CEO of Apex Mobility, I'm always exploring innovative partnerships that can push our technology forward."

Eva nodded. "Well, I'll admit I was curious why a vehicle company wanted to meet with a fashion designer. What did you have in mind?"

"Sharp and direct, I appreciate that," Oscar nodded, interlacing his fingers. "As you know, electric and self-driving cars are the future. What consumers don't yet realize is how much the in-vehicle experience will matter in this crowded market."

He leaned forward, eyeing her portfolio. "That's where you come in. Your sense of style and culture could help us completely redefine our interiors and branding. We need that edge to stand apart."

Eva arched an eyebrow, intrigued but still confused on specifics. "Go on..." "Just look at how you've made bold prints and silhouettes your signature," Oscar elaborated. "You could bring that same charm to our product. Infuse our brand with luxury and comfort that draws the consumer in."

Eva had to admit it was an interesting concept. "I suppose designing the car interiors could be an interesting creative opportunity," she said, warming up to the idea.

Oscar could see he had hooked her interest. "Exactly. Tactile, environmentally sustainable fabrics, customizable designs..."

He went on to detail the technical capabilities of the cars and options for manufacturing her ideas on a large scale. Eva asked thoughtful questions, trying to gain a better understanding of how a collaboration could work.

"I'll be honest, I didn't expect this kind of vision today ," she admitted. "But I think you're right that there are untapped possibilities."

Oscar gave a satisfied smile. He had been very intrigued by her energy after their first unusual encounter. He knew that taking a chance by investing in an unconventional emerging designer like Eva could pay off in positive press and public interest for Apex.

"I'm thrilled to hear you're open to the concept," he responded. "And between you and me, I've had my eye on your growing fashion line for some time. I believe in its potential early." Eva smiled, flattered that he had noticed her work.

She was warming up to Oscar's charm and ability to see the big picture. "Well, consider me intrigued," she said. "If we work together, I know we could create something truly game-changing."

Eva began sketching some preliminary ideas in her mind, and eventually began to doodle on her sketch pad, excited by the possibilities.

Oscar watched her, pleased with himself for convincing Eva to take this enticing bait. He saw this as a sound business move, but also couldn't deny his personal attraction to the upstart designer.

"I love the energy you bring to this," he said, leaning in closer. "I think we complement each other well. We could make magic happen."

Eva's pencil slowed, noticing Oscar's overt stare and sudden shift to a more intimate tone. She didn't like the change in his demeanor. Keep it friendly, she reminded herself. "You certainly have a solid business opportunity here," Eva said diplomatically, moving her chair back slightly. "Though we'd need to iron out details of how the creative control would work of course."

"Naturally," Oscar agreed, though looking mildly annoyed she had backed away from his advance. He was about to say more when a knock at the door interrupted them.

A man burst into the room, his brows furrowed. He was strikingly tall with broad shoulders that filled the doorway. His angular jaw was tensed and Eva caught a flash of his intense dark eyes before he composed himself. He shot a look at her and suddenly his brooding expression melted into one of surprise. His eyes widened briefly and he froze in place, seemingly caught completely off guard. Then, he quickly gathered himself, running a hand through his thick black hair before looking between Eva and Oscar sharply.

"I'll be waiting outside," he muttered, his deep voice clipped. Eva watched him turn abruptly, his tall frame disappearing through the doorway in a few long strides.

Oscar cleared his throat loudly after the man had left. "Sorry about that disruption. Some business partners can be quite... demanding."

He flashed an exaggerated smile, clearly eager to divert her attention back to their earlier conversation. Eva tried to focus again, though her mind kept wandering back to the mysterious man's interruption.

She nodded along as Oscar spoke more. Despite her distracted state, she could recognize that Oscar was presenting a potentially lucrative opportunity. The offer was too enticing to dismiss outright.

As Oscar concluded his speech, he gazed at Eva expectantly. "Well, what do you think?"

She gathered her portfolio and stood up, extending a polite handshake. "You've certainly given me plenty to think about," she said politely.

"I appreciate you reaching out and sharing your vision. Let me think this over some more."

Oscar looked mildly disappointed she wasn't signing the deal immediately, but maintained his charming façade as he shook Eva's hand.

"Of course, take all the time you need," he replied smoothly. "I understand this is a big opportunity. I'm happy to answer any other questions once you've considered it more."

Eva promised she would follow up soon and took her leave, walking briskly to her car. Sliding into the driver's seat, she let out a deep breath.

Her mind was swimming, still stuck on the man who had clearly recognized her earlier and Oscar's overly familiar tone that had made her uncomfortable.

Starting the engine, Eva made a mental note to tell her friends Gia and Noah about the strange meeting. She had a lot of thinking to do about whether mixing business and her personal life was wise. For now, she just wanted to clear her head from the day's strange encounters.