Meeting gone wrong

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The car soon pulled up at the restaurant's parking lot, and Ashley killed the engine. The sound of the engine dying was a clear indication that we had arrived. I glanced up from my iPad, taking in the familiar sight of my establishment. The parking lot was already filled up with cars, and I could tell that business had begun in full swing.

"You good?" Ashley asked, turning to me with a questioning look.

I nodded, my eyes now fixed on my iPad again as I scrolled through my notes. "Um, yes, I have a meeting with a supplier in like a few minutes, so I'm going over some details."

Ashley nodded and patted my shoulder. "All the best with that. I have to leave now so I don't run late for work."

I nodded, and we shared a side hug. "I'm gonna miss you," I said, feeling a little sad.

"Me, too," she replied smiling. "But I'll see you later, okay?"

"Alright, bye, and have a nice day," I said, grabbing my handbag, and tucking my iPad under my arms firmly.

I alighted and waved before walking ahead and entering the restaurant. As usual, I was welcomed by the aroma of food and the bustling demeanor of the dining area.

I waved to the workers as I made my way to the reception area leading to my office. But just then, Rebecca came into view, exhaling in relief like she had been expecting me. Her eyes lit up as usual as we exchanged pleasantries. "Arielle, thank goodness you're here," she said.

"Hey, Becca. How's it going?"

"Very well," she responded, and then her tone turned serious. "The supplier has arrived."

I was surprised and paused, glancing at my wristwatch. "He's not supposed to be here until 30 minutes."

Rebecca nodded in agreement. "But he said there was a change in his schedule, and so he decided to come earlier."

I frowned, feeling a bit annoyed. "And he didn't think to update me about the change in plan? Some people truly lack basic social etiquette," I mumbled under my breath.

sympathetic.

shoving the anger down, deciding I was not going to let a stranger ruin

led him to the meeting room

speak with Stephen on how to handle business partners like this supplier next time. "Can you take my bag to my office? I think I'll just head to the meeting from here." Rebecca

bag to her, and she took

back, taking a deep breath as I prepared to face

clicking on the floor. As I entered the room,

my attention was his nonchalant demeanor. He had a leg placed on the table, scrolling away on his phone, seemingly oblivious

such mannerless behavior, my eyes

looked up to see me and smiled, bringing his leg down as he

a

was unprofessional and crossed the boundaries of personal space. But I didn't say it

handshake, trying to maintain

professionalism.

too long before I withdrew my hand and took a seat. His handshake was firm, and it felt like he was trying to make an impression. Whatever it

kept waiting," he said, his tone slightly

feeling a surge of annoyance at his audacity. Our meeting was not due until 20 minutes from now,

I put on a smile and asked, "Shall we discuss

"Sure," and sat up, assuming

we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement. My company can supply your restaurant with the best cooking products at affordable prices, considering you'll be buying in

of products exactly are we talking about?" I asked, setting my pen ready to write on the iPad

a wide range of cooking oils, baking supplies, and

listened intently, asking

necessary and jotting

points. Mr. Zeke seemed

knowledgeable about his products, and found myself becoming more interested in what he had to offer; his obnoxious behavior earlier

were about to wrap up the discussion, he made an unexpected move. His hand suddenly slid dangerously close to my thigh,

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