Facing the Client

Sheina led Clara to the public relations department. She then introduced her to the other employees. “Listen up, everyone! This is Clara Clark, your new colleague.”

With a polite smile, Clara said, “Nice to meet you all. It's an honor to be a part of this department. Hopefully, we can all work well together.”

The others were surprised by Clara's quick acceptance. They whispered to each other.

“Is she the PR officer who was transferred here to work directly for Mr. Halle? She looks beautiful. I wonder if she’s beautiful and intelligent or just empty.”

“Come on. You should know that Mr. Halle picks the best talent. I’m sure she’s an expert in her field.”

“I’m so envious of her. She gets to work close to Mr. Halle. How lucky!”

Clara heard everything. However, her smile remained the same, and she didn’t say anything.

On the other hand, Sheina’s face turned slightly red. She frowned at Clara.

These comments reinforced Sheina’s dissatisfaction.

Everyone knew that Adrian conducted strict interviews with potential employees. Yet, she had witnessed how Adrian’s attitude towards Clara had softened.

Sheina looked Clara up and down. She was convinced that this newcomer was just a fool.

With a vengeance, she vowed to make Clara suffer.

Sheina’s evil thoughts immediately went to work. She decided to give Clara the most difficult task.

“Here’s your first task as instructed by Mr. Halle. Currently, everyone has almost finished the projects they’re working on. The only task left is related to the selection of background music for the upcoming company anniversary party.” As Sheina held the necessary documents, her tone was natural. “Your job is to communicate with the other party and make sure the background music is confirmed as soon as possible.”

Clara frowned and asked, “Is there anything else I need to know?”

The selection of background music was one of the simplest translation aspects that went into preparing a party. Therefore, it was strange that it was still not finished.

Sheina was determined to make Clara suffer, so she didn’t bother to explain. She just tossed the documents to Clara and said, “The client involved will be coming later. You’ll know everything when you meet.”

With that, she immediately went to her desk.

Clara just shrugged instead of asking more questions.

For a little peace of mind, she entered the meeting room while reading the documents.

As soon as the door closed, the discussion broke out again in the office.

“This new woman is in for a treat. Simon is not an easy person to work with. He’s not only picky, but he’s also mischievous. I’m trembling to imagine what he’ll do to her.”

“You’re not alone. I wish her luck, anyway.”

***

In the meeting room, Clara studied everything she needed to know about the task and the client she would be meeting.

The client was a pianist named Simon Alexander.

The company management was interested in using his piano compositions at the upcoming 32nd anniversary party. For unknown reasons, they hadn't reached an agreement yet.

She had just finished reading the last page of the document when the meeting room door was pushed open.

A man wearing a pair of jeans and a casual shirt with rolled-up sleeves entered.

Clara immediately stood up and smiled. “Hello, Mr. Alexander. Thank you for coming. I’m Clara Clark, and I’ll be responsible for discussing the collaboration regarding the use of your composition for the upcoming anniversary party. Please have a seat.”

“Alright,” Simon said and pulled a chair next to Clara.

With his arms crossed, he slumped into the chair and looked at her.

Clara avoided his gaze.

As she sat down, she moved her chair slightly away. Then, with a professional tone, she began. “You haven’t reached an agreement with us for the use of your piano composition. Is there a reason for that? If you have any objections to it, please tell me. I assure you that we will satisfy you to the best of our ability.”

Simon remained silent as he looked her up and down.

A cold warning shot down Clara’s spine. She felt uncomfortable under his gaze, but she still smiled. “I understand that you’re currently preparing for a nationwide tour. I promise that this won’t affect your preparations. Instead, we’ll set aside time to publicize your tour at the party as a token of appreciation from us. What do you think?”

Simon rubbed his chin for a moment before saying, “I must say that you’ve made a pretty attractive offer.” He glanced sideways and smiled.

Clara handed him the prepared contract. “Please read this contract. If you have any issues with any of the clauses, I can modify them immediately.”

Without taking the document, Simon stretched back and placed his hands behind his head. “Reading is a boring chore. Besides, the contract looks so thick. I don’t want to read it.”

Hearing this, Clara was in a dilemma.

“What if you come closer and read the contract aloud for me?” Simon’s eyes gleamed with interest as he looked at her.

Clara stretched her lips and took a deep breath.

After working in the PR industry for years, she had encountered various clients who had requested strange things.

Reading the contract aloud wasn’t too big of a deal.

With that in mind, Clara moved a little closer while making sure she stayed a safe distance from Simon. Then, she cleared her throat and began reading.

Her eyes were fixed on the document, but she could feel his gaze on her.

It made her shiver.

However, Clara stood tall and tried to concentrate on what she was reading.

Suddenly, Simon leaned forward sharply.

Clara instinctively ducked.

With a satisfied smile, he leaned closer.

“What a beautiful necklace you’re wearing. It suits your fair skin so well.”

As he spoke, he reached out with the intention of touching her neck.

Clara needed great self-control to not swat his hand away. Instead, she moved further away and looked at him with growing disgust.

“If you like this necklace, I’ll help you order one and send it to your company after the meeting. Can we get back to the agenda now?”

Simon’s hand froze in the air, and he sneered, “I thought Founderflash Group wanted to work with me. Turns out I was wrong. I’m a very busy person, so I shouldn’t waste my precious time talking to insincere people.”

He raised his eyebrow and looked at her with a hint of threat.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open.

"The collaboration is canceled!"

With an expressionless face, Adrian entered. He stood in front of Clara and faced Simon.