LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 7: Business meeting
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[Max's apartment]
The room was a complete mess, littered with clothes, shoes, and accessories all over the place. Caroline stood in the middle of it all, holding a black dress and staring at it intently as if she were checking it for dirt or tears. Max was lying on her bed, scrolling through her phone with one hand and munching on her usual cheap chips with the other.
"I still don't understand why you're stressing," Max said, her mouth half-full. "It's just a business meeting. Wear whatever says, 'I'm too broke to be intimidating, but not desperate enough to sell you a kidney.'"
Caroline shot her a glare. "This isn't just a business meeting, Max. It's our chance to make a real impression. If Alex Wilson invests in us, it could change everything."
Max snorted. "Yeah, until he realizes our 'business' is basically you hustling and me being the sarcastic sidekick."
"That's why I have to sell it," Caroline said, her voice rising with determination. She tossed the black dress onto the growing pile on her bed and picked up a sparkly navy number. "What about this one? Too much glitter?"
Max glanced up and smirked. "You look like Sophie threw up on you."
Caroline groaned, tossing the dress aside. "I don't even know what kind of vibe I'm supposed to go for! Sophisticated? Approachable? Fun? Help me out here, Max."
Max leaned back, propping herself up on her elbows. "Caroline, it doesn't matter what you wear. Alex isn't investing in your wardrobe. He's investing in the fact that you're, like, a human caffeine shot. You're impossible to ignore, even when you're covered in cupcake frosting."
Caroline paused, her hand hovering over a simple emerald green dress. "You think I'm impossible to ignore?"
Max raised an eyebrow. "Well, yeah. You've got that 'relentlessly chipper underdog with a dream' thing going on. It's exhausting, but people eat it up."
Caroline smiled, a little softer now. "Thanks, Max. That's… weirdly sweet of you."
"Don't get used to it," Max shot back. "Now, wear the green one. It's classy but not 'I borrowed this from a prom queen.' And it matches your eyes."
Caroline held the dress up to her chest and studied her reflection in the mirror. "You're right. This could work."
Max sat up, tossing her phone aside. "There. Crisis averted. Now, let's talk about the real issue... how are you going to handle it if this dinner turns into something more than business?"
Caroline blinked, turning to face her roommate. "What do you mean?"
Max gave her a knowing look. "Come on, Caroline. This guy isn't just some random investor. He's suave, loaded, and probably has a yacht named after a Shakespearean character. If he starts making heart eyes at you over the escargot, are you ready for that?"
Caroline laughed nervously. "That's not going to happen. Alex is a professional. And so am I. This is about cupcakes, not… romance."
Max shrugged. "If you say so. Just don't come crying to me when he shows up with a dozen roses and a private jet ticket to Paris."
Caroline rolled her eyes. "Max, you've been watching too many rom-coms. This is business. Strictly business."
Max grinned, leaning back again. "Whatever you need to tell yourself, Blondie. Just don't trip in those heels, or he might start rethinking the investment."
Caroline huffed, slipping into the green dress and stepping into a pair of modest black heels. She glanced at herself in the mirror, smoothing out the fabric. "How do I look?"
Max gave her an appraising look. "Like someone who's about to convince a billionaire to fund a cupcake empire. Go get him, tiger."
Caroline grabbed her clutch and turned to leave, hesitating at the door. "Max… thanks. For, you know, being you."
Max waved her off. "Don't get mushy on me. Now go before I change my mind and start charging you for pep talks."
Caroline laughed, stepping out into the hallway with a new sense of confidence. Max watched her go, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Strictly business," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Sure, Caroline. Sure."
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[Alex's Penthouse - Night]
Alex Wilson dressed up and stood on the balcony for a few seconds, his eyes drifting toward the sprawling view of the city skyline once more. Then he walked to the mirror.
He fixed the sleeves of his neat white shirt, gave a little sigh, and looked at himself in the mirror. For tonight, he chose a smart but relaxed outfit: a fitted navy jacket over a soft gray shirt, with dark jeans.
"Relax, Alex," he murmured to himself, running a hand through his neatly styled hair. "It's just a dinner. Business. Nothing more. Gotta complete the quest, but dang! Those two girls and that mature woman... Just... Sigh! It feels like yesterday I was watching that TV Show. Well, it's time..."
A light buzz from his phone pulled his attention. It was a text from Marcus, his assistant.
Marcus: Lumière reservation confirmed for 8 PM. Your usual table by the terrace. Anything else you need?
Alex typed a quick response: Thanks, Marcus. I'm all set.
He slipped the phone into his pocket and grabbed the keys to his Porsche from the glass table by the door. As he made his way to the private elevator, a hint of anticipation stirred in his chest. He wasn't entirely sure if it was the promise of business potential or the infectious energy of Caroline that had him looking forward to this dinner. But he sure does know that it was the memories from his past life that were making him a bit more excited.
[Parking Garage - Moments Later]
The low hum of his black Porsche 911 echoed through the nearly empty underground parking garage as Alex slid into the driver's seat. The car roared to life with a satisfying growl. Everything was customized according to his past life's dream.
He placed his hands on the steering wheel, pausing for a moment. His mind flashed to Caroline. Her eager pitch, her unwavering determination, and that spark of unpolished charm that had made her impossible to ignore. Then there was Max and her unmatched beauty, but her expectations from life were too low and she was the complete opposite of Caroline.
"She's got guts," he muttered with a small smile, shifting the car into gear.
The way to Lumière was something Alex knew well, and he took a moment to relax during the drive. The soft sound of the car and the city lights speeding by gave him a rare feeling of peace in his usually busy life.
When he arrived at the restaurant, the valet quickly came to meet him. Alex gave him the keys, and the quiet sound of cameras snapping nearby reminded him that he could never fully escape the public eye.
"Good evening, Mr. Wilson," the maître d' said with a friendly smile as Alex walked into the restaurant.
"Evening," Alex replied, offering a polite nod. "I believe I have a reservation."
"Yes, of course. Right this way."
The maître d' led him to his table on the terrace, where the city skyline provided a stunning backdrop. Alex settled into his seat, the warm glow of the restaurant's ambient lighting casting soft shadows across the table.
He glanced at his watch. It was 7:55 PM. Caroline would be here any moment.
For a brief second, he wondered if this meeting would truly stay "strictly business. Should I take a little advantage? Tsk. I sound like a scum." Then he dismissed the thought.
"This is about cupcakes," he reminded himself with a quiet chuckle.
But as the minutes ticked closer to eight...
[Lumière - Entrance]
Caroline stood in front of the big, fancy entrance of Lumière, taking a deep breath to calm herself. The restaurant's tall glass doors and softly shining chandeliers looked so elegant, making her feel a little out of place, even though she was wearing her best green dress.
"You can do this," she said quietly to herself, holding her small black bag tightly.
She walked forward, and the doorman smiled warmly as he opened the door for her. Inside, she heard the quiet sound of people talking and the gentle clink of glasses. Caroline looked around in awe at the luxury—the shiny marble floors, the simple but beautiful flower decorations, and the soft lighting that made everything look effortlessly stylish.
"Good evening, miss. Do you have a reservation?" the maître d' asked, his tone impeccably polite.
"Uh, yes. I'm meeting Alex Wilson," she said, trying to sound confident.
The maître d' nodded. "Right this way, Ms. Callahan."
Caroline walked behind him through the restaurant, her heels making quiet tapping sounds on the floor. She couldn't stop feeling a little nervous as people turned to look at her—some seemed curious, while others barely noticed. When they got to the terrace, she caught her breath for a second.
Alex was already sitting at the table, looking relaxed but stylish, as if confidence came naturally to him. The soft light from the city skyline gave him a golden glow, and for a moment, Caroline felt like she was in a movie scene.
"Mr. Wilson, your guest is here," the maître d' said.
Alex looked up and smiled warmly. He stood up and pointed to the empty chair across from him.
"Caroline," he said, his tone genuinely welcoming. "You look great. Thanks for coming."
She smiled, her earlier nerves easing slightly. "Thanks. And, uh, you weren't kidding about this place being fancy."
Alex chuckled as they both sat down. "It has its charm. I figured it'd be a good spot to talk without the usual diner chaos."
A waiter appeared almost immediately, offering them menus and a selection of wine. Caroline hesitated, unsure of what to order, but Alex quickly stepped in.
"A glass of Sauvignon Blanc for her, and I'll have the Malbec," he said smoothly.
"Good choice," Caroline said, smiling nervously.
"I do my best," Alex replied, leaning back slightly.
As the waiter disappeared, Alex turned his attention back to Caroline...
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