7. When the Past sits Across the Table. 

7. When the Past sits Across the Table. 

Lucien collected himself and leaned back into his chair, exuding the kind of quiet dominance that swallowed a room. "Interesting choice Mr Fisher, bringing her into this" he said, his gaze piercing Dahlia. "I never knew this was a meeting for amateurs".

"And I wasn't aware arrogance was now a negotiation strategy" she said, looking at him fully, her gaze unflinching. She raised her hand and Gaux quickly placed the folder in her hand. Dahlia slid it forward to the investor, her actions calm and measured. "Perhaps, times have changed".

Mr Fisher's eyes flickered between them, his lips curling into a smile, obviously intrigued.

Lucien let out a short, humorless laugh. "Cute. But business isn't a fairytale. Deals aren't won by charms or daydreams"

Dahlia pouted faintly, one which Lucien caught unknowingly. "True. They're won with vision and the ability to deliver what others can't" she paused, allowing her smile to turn into a soft grin, "Something your empire seems to be struggling with lately".

The words landed like blade. Where he stood, Jace couldn't help but shift. Gaux cast him a victorious smirk. 

Lucien curled his fist that was rested on his knee. "You did quite your homework Miss Winters" he smirked but the subtle tick of his jaw betrayed him. "But, isn't it better we let the numbers speak? Though things are a bit shaky at my empire, my numbers still speak volumes".

"But mine speaks louder" she smiled, reaching for the folder which was closed. She opened it, allowing Mr Fisher to graze his eyes on it. "Mr Fisher can tell too" she drawled, her gaze never leaving Lucien's. 

Silence stretched between them, the tension in the room rising. Just then, Mr Fisher cleared his throat, disrupting the war of gazes that had already commenced. 

"Your folder Mr Voss" he said.

Jace passed the folder quickly.

Mr Fisher flipped through the two folders, nodding at intervals, his expression unreadable. 

"Surely you two make compelling points" he said after a while. "The numbers, stability, growth even vision. All necessary. But, I can't make decisions in a day" he said. 

Lucien bristled. "Of course, but the choice is obvious---"

Mr Fisher raised his hand, cutting him off. "Obvious choices bore me Mr Fisher. I like to see who's still standing after the dust settles". He looked at the both of them. "Come back tomorrow. Same time. Impress me better. Not just with words. But with proof".

Lucien's gaze shifted to Dahlia who caught it immediately. It was like a raging storm was brewing in them. She only flashed him her faintest smile. 

"See you two tomorrow" Mr Fisher said as he stood, his eyes flickering from one person to another. 

"Yes Mr Fisher" Dahlia replied, voice simmering with provocation. 

Mr Fisher left. A heartbeat elapsed.

Dahlia stood from her seat and made way for the door, completely ignoring the man seated opposite her. But just as she reached the door, Lucien's voice cut her steps.

"Is this your grand plan?" His voice was low, filled with sarcasm. "Or, your plan to get my attention?"

Dahlia almost laughed. She looked over her shoulder, her eyes cold. "You give yourself way too much credit Mr Voss. Not everything is about you" she said. 

She faced forward to leave but then, there was another past she still had to visit. 

Sasha stood in front of the Conference room, face filled with horror. It was as though she'd seen a ghost. 

"D--Da--Dahlia?" she sputtered. 

"In the flesh" she smirked. "Your fiancée is here" she drawled and walked away, leaving the two to stew in her wake. 

Sasha breezed into the conference room, and met Lucien still seated in his seat. He looked shaken, despite his effort to hide it and Sasha didn't miss it. 

"You look pale darling" she said, placing the food flask she had prepared on the table. "Should I be worried?"

"No, no need. It's fine" he said and tried standing. But Sasha held him back. 

"I brought you breakfast. I heard you didn't eat something before leaving. You know you can't work on an empty stomach" she listed.

To the outside world, Sasha was just doing what every girl in love usually does— pampering her man, but deep down, she knew her real intention. She wasn't just taking care of Lucien, she was marking her own territory. And now, with the arrival of a past she thought was eliminated, she must tighten her ropes or else, everything will go down the drain.