"I hope my photo didn't disappoint you."
Carla knew Nella must have done a detailed background check on her before meeting her.
"I'm sorry for being intrusive, " Nella said with her head low, "I was really curious about you after meeting you at Pillere. I could not get my mind off the woman in the veil, so I asked my men to run a check. That's how I found out about you."
"There are only that few who know about my real identity, " Carla pointed out as she took a sip from her cup. "You must be really influential to get information about me that easily."
"Well…" Nella looked uneasy. "They know I don't mean harm. I hope you don't blame them."
Carla smiled and looked at her. "Why do you want to meet me?"
Nella took up her cup and drank. "I just want to make a new friend."
"You can be honest with me." Carla looked at her watch.
"I'll just cut to the chase since you're in a hurry."
Nella put down her cup and gestured at her subordinate, who instantly came forward with a silver box.
It was a document.
"This is a document about F Nation's Gymnasium Project. Someone invited me to join this project to replace you, " Nella said solemnly with a slight smile.
She took a look at Carla before she continued, "My family is looking into international ventures and I'm interested in this project, but I'm not interested in fighting with you over something like this, so I would like to know what you think about this."
Carla evaded Nella's gaze and clenched her jaw. She knew Nella was not just referring to the project. She was referring to Zayn as well.
"Ms. Lierger, I'll gladly decline this offer if you're still interested in this project, but if you're opting out, which is what they told me, then I'll consider joining."
Nella poured Carla another cup of tea as she waited for her reply. "I will respect your decision, Ms. Lierger."
Carla fixed her eyes on the cup without answering. She knew full well what Nella meant.
Carla was able to read in between the lines and saw through Nella. The project was not the real reason why she wanted to talk to Carla.
This woman is indeed different from those I've met before. She's clever and calm.
"What do you think, Ms. Lierger?"
"I don't think it matters to you whether I continue on with the project or not." Carla finally took up the cup. "What annoys me is that these people seem overenthusiastic in finding me a replacement."
Nella stared at her for a second. She could not decipher what Carla was getting at.
"You shouldn't be talking to me, Ms. Gold. You should be talking to the people who made you this offer. Besides, it's all about competing on a level field when it comes to business. There's no right or wrong."
"Competing on a level field?" Nella was surprised. "Is this what you really think?"
"Yes. I'm unapologetic about fighting for the things that I deem as important. I like competing head-on in a fair and square manner instead of using underhanded ways, but if my opponents want to play dirty, I'll play by their rules."
Carla went straight to the point. Although she sounded calm as a cucumber, her words sounded deterrent.
"Understood, Ms. Lierger." Nella smiled with a confident nod. "You really impress me. You have my word. I like a fair competition too. No cheating and no hard feelings."
"Great." Carla's brows arched in a pleasant surprise. "All the best, Ms. Gold."
With that said, she put down her cup and motioned to leave. "Thanks for your treat. We should meet up over some beer the next time. It's on me."
"I'm looking forward to that. Let me see you out." Nella stood up.
"Don't bother. I'll see you next time." Carla turned and left.
Nella sat back down in her window seat as she watched Carla leave. She felt things were going to take an interesting and unexpected turn.
Behind her, her subordinate came up and reported, "Ms. Gold, that's Mr. Giblo's car."
Share
