She hadn’t expected that, after all her consideration, she would end up choosing someone like him. But if she could use her identity as the chairwoman’s daughter to secure the project, it would still be a good thing for the business department.
What she didn’t know was that Mike wasn’t exactly an ideal choice. She’d looked at his photo and, compared to the others, he seemed more honest and decent. At least he wasn’t one of those balding, middle-aged men with beer bellies. In her eyes, he probably just took care of himself and managed his appearance well. There shouldn’t be any problem with him. The others looked greasy enough to make her skin crawl.
Meanwhile, she sent a message to Aaron, asking him to meet her at the hotel that night. The message carried a clear implication, and Tessa believed he would understand immediately. There was no need for her to say anything more—he would come running.
That night, at the restaurant during dinner, Tessa and Mike sat across from each other. When she saw that he had come alone, Tessa was a bit surprised. Shouldn’t an executive like him have brought an assistant? Yet, when meeting her for dinner, he’d arrived completely by himself.
Tessa voiced her curiosity, but Mike didn’t seem to care. “My assistant has other matters to attend to. It’s just dinner and a contract discussion. No need to bring him along. I can handle it myself.”
Hearing that, Tessa thought he made sense. A dinner meeting to discuss business didn’t need to be complicated.
“The way you think ahead really shows your experience, Mr. Lee.” She smiled as she complimented him. She had already prepared her approach—no matter what he said, flattery was always the most effective tool. As long as she handled the surface well, his first impression of her would naturally improve. When that happened, sealing the deal would be effortless.
“I didn’t expect someone as young as you to already be so accomplished,” Mike said politely, smiling. “To have made it to the director’s seat at the Walton Corporation is truly impressive. I should be learning from capable young people like you.”
His tone was courteous, his smile smooth and practiced, giving nothing away.
Hearing his compliment, Tessa felt her confidence grow. In her mind, the deal was already half done. It turned out that negotiating projects wasn’t that difficult after all. As long as she made a good first impression, his favor toward her would naturally increase. A few kind words, a little charm, and the rest would fall neatly into place.
Thinking of that, she lifted her chin slightly, already imagining how she would celebrate once the project went through.
What she didn’t know was that Mike’s reason for not bringing his assistant had nothing to do with professionalism. It was simply because he preferred to act without eyes on him. He didn’t like being watched while dining; it made him uncomfortable and limited what he could do.
When he noticed the pleasant smile on Tessa’s face, he was momentarily surprised. It must be her first time meeting someone like him for a business discussion. Most women who sat across from him couldn’t even relax, their faces stiff with nerves.