Chapter 82 – A Silent Duel at the Dinner Table

“You seem tense,” Jefran remarked as his car pulled into the parking lot of the five-star restaurant where the client dinner was being held.

“I’m fine, Jef. And stop trying to read my emotions, okay?” Jeslyn turned briefly toward him, her voice calm but edged with firmness.

“Alright, alright.” Jefran lifted his hands in mock surrender, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

The car rolled to a stop at the restaurant lobby, where a valet promptly opened the door. Jeslyn stepped out first with poise, her elegant black gown flowing gracefully, drawing a few discreet glances from newly arrived guests.

Jefran followed beside her, relaxed yet confident, as if deliberately showing the world that he was Jeslyn’s companion tonight.

The moment they entered, soft jazz filled the air under glittering crystal chandeliers. Groups of guests were already gathered, conversing in small circles.

Jeslyn inhaled quietly and walked with purpose—only to pause when she felt the weight of a piercingly familiar gaze. Across the room, Leonel stood among several important clients. His eyes locked on hers, sharp, cold, yet brimming with a storm he carefully concealed beneath his impassive expression.

Her heartbeat quickened, but Jeslyn lifted her chin, pretending unshaken.

“Jes,” Jefran’s voice gently pulled her back. “Our table’s over there.” He gestured toward a prepared spot.

Jeslyn nodded and continued walking. But just before she sat down, her eyes clashed with Leonel’s once more—a silent duel sharper than any blade.

She was the first to look away, focusing on Jefran seated opposite her.

“Wine?” Jefran asked as a waiter approached with a tray of glasses.

“Just a little,” Jeslyn replied after a small sigh.

The waiter poured into her crystal glass, then filled Jefran’s. For a brief moment, the table was calm, the gentle jazz the only sound.

But Jeslyn’s composure faltered when she realized Leonel was no longer with the clients. He had shifted closer—at a table just within direct view. His eyes stayed fixed on her, unwavering, making it increasingly difficult for her to hold herself together.

Jefran leaned back casually, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “You look incredible tonight. Everyone’s watching you.”

Jeslyn sipped her wine slowly, masking her nerves. “Don’t exaggerate, Jef.”

“But it’s true,” he replied in a low, deliberate tone—loud enough for Leonel across the room to catch.

Jeslyn quickly diverted the conversation, glancing at the files on the table. “Let’s just focus on the clients. This isn’t the time for small talk.”

Jefran’s smirk widened, though he said nothing. He lifted his glass, drank leisurely, and then threw a deliberate glance at Leonel, his expression full of challenge.

Leonel clenched his jaw, though outwardly he remained calm while engaging with the clients. Beneath that professional facade, however, his chest tightened with turmoil.

Jeslyn gripped her napkin tightly on her lap, fighting to mask the storm threatening to spill across her face.

The waiters circled, refilling glasses, while the clinking of cutlery mingled with the soothing jazz. Guests chatted lightly about global markets, stock values, and political speculations.

Jeslyn managed a polite smile when a European businessman's wife addressed her.

“You must be Jeslyn Hydra? I’ve heard so much about you lately. Quite remarkable, a young woman like you securing such an important position at your age.”

Her tone was friendly, yet tinged with curiosity.

Jeslyn responded gracefully, her smile poised. “Thank you. I believe age does not determine the quality of one’s work. What matters is the results we bring to the table.”

A few guests applauded softly, impressed by her diplomatic reply. Jefran gazed at her with pride, while from the other table Leonel never looked away. He knew those words were more than polished charm—they were the armor she wore.

Soon, their key client, a middle-aged Japanese businessman named Mr. Tanaka, stood and tapped his glass gently, commanding attention. The room fell silent.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” he said in stiff but clear English. “This dinner is not merely a social gathering. I want us to discuss the potential for strategic partnerships that will benefit us all.”

He paused, scanning the room. His eyes briefly landed on Leonel, then on Jeslyn seated beside Jefran. “I have reviewed many proposals. Now, I want to hear directly—what makes Clovies stand out? Why should I trust your company as my long-term partner?”

The atmosphere immediately grew tense. Everyone knew this was more than a question—it was a battlefield.

Leonel sat calmly, sipping his drink, making no move to answer. Jeslyn caught his eye. Though his face remained unreadable, she sensed a faint glimmer of trust.

Exhaling slowly, she set her wine glass down and looked squarely at Mr. Tanaka.

“Mr. Tanaka,” Jeslyn began firmly, “Clovies has always believed that a company’s strength is not only measured by its assets, but also by its ability to adapt quickly to market changes. We don’t just promise financial gains—we provide long-term strategies tailored to our partners’ evolving needs.”

The table grew quiet, attention sharpening on her words.

“Our advantage lies in a strong team, continuous innovation, and complete transparency in every collaboration. We don’t merely offer numbers—we build trust and consistency for the future. That’s why I believe Clovies is the right choice for you.”

Her voice was steady, her gaze sharp yet respectful.

Some guests nodded approvingly, and even Mr. Tanaka seemed impressed. But before he could respond, Leonel’s voice cut through the air, deep and calculated.

“Well said,” Leonel remarked, leaning back, lips curved in a faint smirk. “Beautiful words—but unfortunately, the market doesn’t run on ideals.”

The room stiffened. Guests glanced at each other in confusion. Weren’t they from the same company? Why was he contradicting her?

Jeslyn’s spine tightened, though her expression held.

Leonel’s voice remained cold, precise. “The real strength of Clovies lies in our extensive international network, stable access to capital, and proven experience in navigating global market crises. That is not rhetoric—that is evidence built over decades. And I believe, Mr. Tanaka, you value proof more than speeches.”

Jeslyn held his gaze sharply, refusing to flinch. A faint smile stayed on her lips, though her heart raced.

“Thank you for adding that perspective, Mr. Leonel,” Jeslyn replied smoothly, her tone crisp and controlled. “But I believe we can all agree—strong networks and stable capital mean nothing without innovation and adaptability. Past proof is valuable, yes—but future success depends on the courage to evolve.”

Several heads nodded again, and Mr. Tanaka gave Jeslyn a longer, more thoughtful look.

Finally, Jefran added his voice, reinforcing her position. “I think what Ms. Jeslyn and Mr. Leonel shared complement each other. Stability is the foundation, but without flexibility, even the strongest foundation will crack under change. Clovies provides both.”

The tension eased slightly, though Leonel’s piercing stare lingered on Jeslyn, as if savoring the duel.

Mr. Tanaka folded his arms, a faint smile curving his lips. “Very interesting. I appreciate seeing differing views within one team. It shows healthy dynamics—or perhaps…” His gaze flicked deliberately between Jeslyn and Leonel. “…unresolved tension.”

A few guests chuckled, but the air grew heavier.

Jeslyn forced herself to remain composed, while Leonel drained the last of his wine, his expression cold—as if Mr. Tanaka had just exposed something neither of them wanted revealed.

***