Chapter 1053
With the company finally on the upswing, Teresa was determined not to drop the ball. The end of the year was just around the corner. She aimed for a robust quarterly report and healthy cash reserves to ensure everyone received a generous bonus.
Today, Teresa was meeting Carl Hussain, a potential client who’d initiated contact. As the general manager of Hussain Design, he was a man in his late thirties. He wielded considerable influence in Nareigh’s business circles and had previously dined with Eason.
They met at an upscale restaurant. Its elegant décor and cozy central heating created an inviting ambiance. After sitting down, Teresa removed her coat, revealing a white turtleneck sweater beneath.
“Mr. Hussain, I’m delighted the Teresouth Group has caught your interest,” Teresa said cordially, sliding documents across the table. “Here are our new products for this quarter.”
Carl merely shook his head, his gaze locked on Teresa. It roved over her face before lingering – with an intrusive appreciation – on the curves her sweater accentuated.
“Ms. Johnston, spare me the sales pitch,” Carl said, his tone heavy with implication. “Frankly, your company holds no interest for me whatsoever.” His eyes gleamed with undisguised lechery, as if mentally undressing her.
Teresa frowned, perplexed. ‘If not the company, then what?’ she wondered.
Carl leaned in, lowering his voice to a suggestive murmur. “What I’m interested in is you.”
Disgust washed over Teresa. ‘What the hell does he mean by that?’ she thought.
Carl adjusted his glasses, a predatory smirk playing on his lips. “Frankly, you are my sole interest. I can’t fathom how Jonathan could discard someone like you. He has probably found himself a new plaything.
“But if he was foolish enough to discard you,” Carl said, his voice dropping, “I’d be delighted to take you off his hands and show you the appreciation you deserve.” As he spoke, he boldly let his hand linger on the back of hers.
Teresa snatched her hand back instantly. “Mr. Hussain, maintain professionalism,” she stated. “My purpose here is strictly business.”
“Professionalism?” Carl scoffed, his gaze turning openly lascivious. “Ms. Johnston,” he leaned in uncomfortably close, “Spend one night with me. Forget this single deal. I’ll guarantee you any contract you want. What do you say?”
Teresa’s expression darkened as she locked eyes with Carl, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
Her beauty, radiant even in anger, held Carl transfixed. “So, Ms. Johnston,” he pressed, “seems like a pretty sweet deal, doesn’t it?”
Teresa raised an eyebrow, her voice thick with sarcasm. “Mr. Hussain, you don’t object to me being previously married?”
“Why would I care?” Carl leaned back, waving a dismissive hand. “Throughout Nareigh, who wouldn’t crave a taste of Jonathan’s woman?”
It was the final insult. Teresa shot to her feet.
Carl, misreading her movement, assumed she was heading for the restroom. But in the next instant, Teresa snatched the coffee cup from the table and flung its contents directly into Carl’s face. Scalding liquid splattered across his face and soaked into his shirt.
“You bastard!” Teresa spat, “If you had no intention of doing business, why waste my time? I want nothing to do with clients like you!” Grabbing her bag, she turned on her heel to leave.
But Carl sprang in front of her, blocking her exit. He seized her wrist in a vice grip. “Think you can just walk away? Let’s see how you leave here.”
“What do you want?” Teresa shot back, her voice steady. “There are witnesses.”
Carl sneered, “Jonathan was once your armor. No one dared touch you. But now, without his protection, who do you think you are? Who can stop me?”
He leaned in, his voice thick with menace. “I hold the controlling stake in this restaurant. I could do anything to you, and the manager wouldn’t utter a syllable of protest.”