CHAPTER 3 - OLD MAN vs CHEAP DRESS

Stacy's Point of View

While waiting for the meeting with the business team of Antoine Laurent, Amielle just couldn't stop talking about their perfumes and how lucky I am to be their ambassador. I just listened to her as if I were really interested. I can't just pop her happy bubble right now; she's just too excited.

I'm honestly not a fan of perfumes. I do have a lot of them, but I seldom use them. I don't hate perfumes. It's just that most of the perfumes I have irritate my nose, and I can't find one that doesn't. I'm proud to say that even without perfumes, I smell good and attractive. I even get compliments about it.

"I swear, Stace, their perfumes are superb. It really does not irritate your nose in any way!" Amielle said it with sparkles in her eyes.

"It still depends on the person using Mielly," I said in opposition. 

She then explained to me everything she knew about the brand and their perfumes. I can see she really loves it. She even let me smell one of their perfumes. She said she got her small bottle of Antoine Laurent perfume during a branch launch. She even confessed that she begged her friend, who was one of the organizers, to give her an invitation. She's really obsessed with it.

In the middle of our conversation, I saw Rob coming our way. Rob is the only guy among my trusted friends. He's actually older than me, and I see him as my older brother here in show business. He's been there for me since then, and I appreciate his thoughtfulness towards me.

I waved my hand the moment our eyes met. I can see how his facial expression changed from blank to a happy one. I missed this guy! I haven't seen him in months. He's really been busy with his upcoming wedding.

I don't believe in love, but I can see that Rob's not like the other guys. His values and morals are strong. Even if maybe he'll fall out of love, I know he wouldn't give pain and trauma to women. I've known him too well to doubt that he is a good man. I'm actually excited for him.

"Roobbb! Oh my gosh! I missed you. How are you? How are the wedding plans coming along? Where's your fiance?" I asked him continuously while giving him a hug. 

Edith and Amielle also greeted him. 

"You really missed me, huh? I missed you, little sis! As for the wedding, everything's looking good, Anastasia, just getting busier than ever. Rache's with the wedding planner right now. I'm going straight to her after this." 

"That's nice to hear! Why are you here then?"

"Oh, I was here to visit an old friend; he just came back from Paris. I came here to personally give him the invitation for the wedding," he said with a beaming smile 

"Here? in the studio? Is he an artist? I haven't heard of any actors who have recently returned from Paris." I ask curiously. I don't like how this conversation is going, but I hope I'm wrong. 

"Hey, I know that look in your face. It's not what you think. He's a businessman, and he said he's got a meeting to attend here. Well, you know, he's quite a big shot," he said with a reassuring face. 

I let out a sigh in relief. Thank heavens, it's not what I thought it was. 

"Okay, I trust you. But where's my invitation, Mr. Rob Evans??" I asked with a raised brow. 

"Do you even need one? Whether or not I give you an invitation, your presence at my wedding is a must!" He laughed. 

"Yeah, sure, I'm coming," I said and laughed. 

Rob's phone rang and he excused himself to answer it. It's like his fiance is already looking for him. After the call, he went back to us and said goodbye. 

"Anastasia, I have to go. Fiance duties. I missed you; I expect to see you at my wedding, lil sis!" He then patted my hair and messed it up like I was a dog. Tsk. He knows I hate it when he does that! 

We just stayed in there talking with Amielle and Edith for about an hour before a secretary from Antoine Laurent's team came. She told us that the meeting was going to start in fifteen minutes in the VIP room on the 8th floor.

Antoine Laurent Perfume is really a big deal, huh? They even used the VIP room for the meeting. Only big brands and big stars can use that room. I've used it many times, though. 

"Miss Miracle and team, I just want you all to know that Mr. Laurent is present in the meeting. He wanted to have the meeting start on time." She said this before bowing her head in respect.

Amielle here is already squealing before I can even respond.

"Oh my god?? Did I hear it right? THE Antoine Laurent is here? Stace, just be cool. Just be cool, okay?" She said it with excitement in her eyes. 

"Mielly, I think you are the one who should calm down."  

"You don't get it, Stace.He is one of the youngest billionaires in the world!" 

"Okay, Amielle calm down. We better be going now; we should not keep Mr. Laurent waiting." Edith said, then stood up. 

My team is now on our way to the 8th floor for the meeting. I don't know, but I'm feeling a bit nervous. Maybe because Amielle is always overreacting when talking about this meeting and this client. 

I tried to compose myself and get rid of the nervousness. After all, this is just a meeting.  

When we entered the room, everyone was quiet and seated properly. I don't know if this has to do with the business they are in, but the entire room smells so good. It has this loud smell with leather notes. It's a masculine fragrance that is addicting. This scent is quite familiar, though. 

I only see three people in the room, and all of them are girls. Where's Laurent then? I thought he was here.

"Hi, good afternoon. I'm Stacy Miracle." I greeted to break the silence. Edith and Amielle and the other two from my team also greeted them. 

"Good afternoon, Miss Miracle" the woman in business attire, who I think is Laurent's secretary, greeted me back. 

The swivel chair at the end of the long table, that was facing the glass wall then turned. It then revealed a good-looking guy. 

I was about to greet him when I realized he kind of looked familiar. I looked at his face intently to remember who he was. I think he's already thinking I'm weird with the facial expression I am giving him right now. I'm sure I've met him before...

Oh shoot!!! What in the heavens is he doing here?!!  

He is the man who bumped me in the parking lot! He spilled his hot tea on me, and blamed it on me!! 

"Old man?!" I asked in a high tone of voice, expressing disbelief. 

He looked at me intently, like he did not recognize me. His face suddenly changed, now he is looking at me with a furrowed brow. 

"Cheap Dress?!"  

I have a nickname now, huh?! He's still as conceited as ever!

Everybody was in shock that we knew each other. Edith's face is painted in disbelief, and she is still perplexed. Amielle, on the other hand, is speechless with her mouth wide open. 

"Oh, wait, I'm sorry, but have you two already met?" Edith asked. 

Both he and I have our eyes locked on each other with furrowed brows. It's like we're playing a game of staring each other down until someone loses. 

"Miss Miracle, this is Mr. Antoine Laurent. A billionaire and a business tycoon who owns The Antoine Laurent Parfums." Laurent's secretary said.  

I really thought Antoine Laurent was already in his late 50s. Tss, it turns out he's a haughty, entitled young man. His name, Antoine, suits him well; it sounds like an old man. 

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Laurent, this is Stacy Miracle. By the way, I am Edith, her manager."  

Edith is now hitting my toes. 

"Say your greetings, Anastasia" Edith whispered to me. 

I calmed my face first and gave him a smirk. He then raised his eyebrow at me. 

"Hi, I'm Stacy." I said blandly. 

"Hi, cheap dress." He said it sarcastically. 

"Can you stop calling me that, old man?"  

He just gave me a smirk, and all of us took our seats. 

"I'm sorry to ask this, but where did you guys meet? Your first meeting must probably be interesting." Edith asked. Oh, Edith, if only you witnessed! 

"Interesting? Yeah, sure, it was! Remember the interview with Martin? He bumped into me that day in the parking lot. I really did enjoy the hot splash of tea from this old man." I said sarcastically with my eyes locked on Antoine. 

"Excuse me? YOU bumped into ME, just to make things clear. And you're such a cry baby over my expensive tea on your cheap dress, cheap dress."  

I've only met this man twice, but I hate him already. even more than Clark. Heavens?! Why are men so good at being trashy?

Edith was left dumbfounded by our exchange of conversation. Even Amielle was tapping my hands to just stop debating with Antoine. I’m sorry, guys. I just can’t help it.

"Mr. Laurent, I think it’s better to start the meeting now. We still have another meeting scheduled after this." His secretary told him.

"Well, I guess, before we discuss the contract and everything, let me ask Miss Miracle here if she still wants to do business with me," Antoine said with a teasing face.

"Are you challenging me, Mr. Antoine?" I asked him while raising my eyebrow.

He just shrugged with an annoying face as a response.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Laurent, I think this is just a misunderstanding for the both of you. And, honestly, I believe it's a win-win situation if we just proceed with the contract discussion and signing. Right Stacy?" Edith, out of nowhere butted in, with her face mad at me.

"What? He’s the one being rude." I replied to Edith. Edith gave me a "no" look in response.

"I agree. Miss Miracle, let’s just forget about that night. I scanned your profile, and it seems that you are a popular actress and influencer. I can benefit from you; you can benefit from me. Let’s just do business."

I gave him a serious look and replied, "Fine."

After that the meeting proper then started. I can really say this brand is really huge. Even if I hate him, doing business with him isn’t that bad after all. The meeting ended with a contract signing and a small photo session.

I just really hope after this meeting he gets super busy and lets his employees see me instead of him.

--End of Chapter 3--