The Call Boy I Met in Paris – Episode 39
The conference-room doors closed on Derek’s anger. Sophie set her portfolio on the table and faced the Lake Enterprises executive, determined not to let the encounter disrupt the most important negotiation of her career.
The proposed terms were better than she expected. Lake Enterprises wanted Swift Architecture for multiple future developments, not merely Maple Plaza, and the agreement offered enough stability to calm investors immediately.
Justin sat beside her and pretended to study clauses he had already approved. Each time Sophie raised a concern, the executive accepted her revision with remarkable speed.
She remained cautious. Generous terms could conceal expensive obligations, but the contract rewarded performance rather than surrendering control. For once, no one was asking her to trade marriage for business security.
“We believe Swift Architecture’s design work is essential to our future projects,” the executive said. The statement came directly from Justin’s instructions, but Sophie received it as professional recognition she had spent years trying to earn.
Relief threatened her composure. She thought of her father ordering her to marry Derek because she could never save the company alone. This agreement answered him more effectively than another argument ever could.
Justin indicated a section concerning design authority. “Make sure final aesthetic approval remains with Swift,” he advised. The executive agreed before Sophie finished asking.
She looked at Justin with renewed curiosity. He navigated the negotiation as if he knew exactly which terms Lake Enterprises would concede. His instincts had once again proved too precise for the struggling man she believed she had hired.
“You’re very useful for an assistant,” she murmured. Justin responded that he was hoping for a favorable performance review.
The final pages were placed before her. Sophie read each clause once more, then signed her name beneath Swift Architecture’s seal.
The Lake executive added his signature. “We’re pleased to begin this long-term partnership, Ms. Swift.”
Sophie extended her hand. “I can’t wait to work with you.” The words carried pride, gratitude, and the first real sense that her mother’s company could survive the family trying to control it.
“That makes two of us,” the executive replied. His glance toward Justin lasted only a fraction too long, but Sophie noticed.
Justin rose quickly. “Bathroom. Be right back.” He left before her curiosity could become a question.
In the corridor, Patrick intercepted him. The urgent fiction had survived, but employees were whispering about why their CEO was pretending to be an assistant architect.
“Get the signed contract processed before Derek interferes,” Justin ordered. “And keep him away from Sophie.”
Patrick agreed, then asked how long Justin expected the disguise to last. Justin had no answer that sounded remotely sensible.
When Sophie emerged from the conference room, Derek was still waiting. He rose with the confidence of someone determined to pretend he had not been ignored.
“Still here?” she asked. The signed portfolio in her hand made the question sharper.
Derek forced a smile. “Mr. Lake and I had a nice chat earlier.” Sophie glanced toward the empty corridor where Justin had disappeared and wondered which of the two men was hiding more.