Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

People began to wonder if Waldorf Enterprises, a big company, was about to fail.

A few days later, Richard spread a rumor that someone wanted to buy his company. This news made many big companies interested. They all wanted to buy Waldorf Enterprises at a low price because, even though it wasn't as great as before, it was still worth a lot.

Richard rejected many offers. But when the Sapphire Group showed interest, he was willing to talk to them.

Hugo sent his most trusted vice president, Sam Lloyd, to talk to Richard, showing he was serious about the deal. Sam met Richard, who was relaxed and reading. For a moment, Sam didn't know what to say to ruin that silence. "Mister Richard, nice to meet you. I'm from Sapphire Group-" "Mister Sam, I've heard a lot about you. Take a seat. Don't be formal." Richard sounded calm and friendly.

Although Sam didn't know Richard well, he respected him. He knew Richard had built the company from scratch and made it successful, so he didn't look down on him, even though the company was struggling.

"Mister Richard, I think you know why I'm here..." Sam left his sentence hanging, hoping Richard would talk about the sale. "You're here to acquire Waldorf Enterprises, right?" "Yes." Sam was surprised Richard was so direct and didn't seem embarrassed about the company's troubles. This made Sam restless. "What's your offer?" Sam remembered his boss, Hugo, telling him to make a fair offer if Richard was sincere.

"Our president said he'll give you a good price if you're serious," he answered. Knowing he was on the winning side, he gave a smug smile.

But Richard, putting down his magazine to look at Sam, asked, "Did Hugo tell you that?" Sam nodded. He also said you could stay as an executive director after he buys Waldorf Enterprises, he added, trying to make the offer sound appealing, even though Hugo just wanted to keep an eye on Richard. "I have too much pride to stay if it's fit's sold. I'd leave," Richard said firmly "Tell your president if he really wants to buy, he should ctalk tohimself." Sam was taken aback. Richard's reply meant Sam wasn't important enough for this deal.

Though Sam was upset, he didn't argue. Richard's stern look made him feel intimidated, even if he remained quiet and did nothing. He looked frightening just by sitting there. And so, Sam left. Richard didn't even stand up to see him out; he just went back to reading as if Sam had never been there. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

With a grim expression, Sam decided he had to tell Hugo how unyielding Richard was.

* Finally, Hugo agreed to meet Richard, but he said Pearl must be there too.

Everyone knew why he requested that.