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My eyes were open in bed, and I didn’t want to get up. I didn’t have the strength, and as much as I ignored it, my heart hurt a little.
I never got an answer from her regarding my question, and it’s been a week since Ocean’s birthday. She has ignored my calls, sent them straight to voicemail, but never called back. She no longer frequented the Plane Enterprise, so I didn’t see her either. I wanted to visit her firm, but I had broken the rules twice, and I didn’t think she would be so generous. But I wanted to see her–I needed to.
seeing her was just as essential as the air I breathed at this point, especially after the beautiful kiss we shared on Ocean’s birthday. Did her old man advise her to stay clear of my path?
Imela was a woman with her own mind and discretion; she could make her own decisions, so that
couldn’t be it.
Then why was she ignoring my calls and not replying to my messages? Was it because of the kiss? Was she angry? Should I not have kissed her?
I was overthinking, but if she picked up, I wouldn’t have to.
I wanted to ask Vivian for help, but then I would have to tell him what happened. I didn’t want to do that
yet.
I thought we were heading in the right direction, but was it all in my head?
It was Friday, but I didn’t want to go anywhere. I felt my life depended on Ela’s answer to my question. I called Georgie, asking what the activities on today’s schedule were like so I could know if I could ignore them, but she got back to me, telling me I had a dinner date with Mr Ian Zhoe, an investor from South Korea, and a few appointments at the office.
I groaned, knowing there was no way I could skip today, so I dragged myself from the bed. I dressed, and though it was a little later than my usual arrival time, I made it.
Appointments and document reviews began immediately at nine and continued till two p.m., and now it was time for lunch with Mr. Ian Zhoe. I drove to Hilton and waited for Mr. Zhoe, who arrived a few
minutes later. He was the minister of aviation in South Korea, and he came up with the proposal of adding the country to the Plane Enterprise’s international route. He explained how the country had only a few international airlines going in and out, and with the recent performance of Air Plane in the market, it would be a win–win to permit them.
“Your offer is most generous, but I will have to discuss this with the board and get back to you on that,” I told him as he rose.
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Ian nodded and stretched his hand out for a shake, which I firmly took. “I will be expecting feedback from you before the weekend.”
I smiled. “And you will get one.” My smile faded, and my face paled when, through the door, Zion walked into the restaurant with his usual smug and condescending expression.
My stomach curled bitterly, and I tried to keep my calm composure. Ian was still here, and I needed to act accordingly, but I wanted to withdraw. I was barely making it through in one piece.
Knowing Zion, the bastard would want to pick a fight, which was the last thing I could afford.
Zion’s eyes landed on me, and a smirk appeared on his face. The bastard did not respect social gatherings. he would gladly pick a fight anywhere he liked, even though I would wipe the floor with his face. Though the Plane Enterprise’s performance had been excellent in the last three months, it was still best to avoid bad press.
“Mr. Zhoe,” he called, stretching his hand out to Ian for a shake.
Ian reluctantly took it, and confusion appeared on his face. “I know you are confused about who I am; don’t be; I am your new best friend, Ian. Can I call you Ian?”
Ian nodded, and Zion beamed at him. “Good. I heard of your arrival and wanted to offer my warm welcome. I also read the news that your country hopes to partner with an airline from the States.”
I wondered how Zion found out about the business offer and meeting. He said he saw it on the news, but
that was a lie because if he had watched the news, he would have seen what customers have said about
Stiles Airline services in the last two months.
“Yes, we do, but that is none of your business,” Ian said. He was not very impressed with Zion’s tactics.
Zion nodded, not taking the hint. “See, my name is Zion Stiles, and my family owns the Stiles Airline. I
came here to offer our services to you.”
My hand balled into a fist, but I stilled myself. There was no need for drama; hopefully, there would be
no need for violence here.
Ian shoved Zion’s hand away from his arm. “I would like to decline your offer; you see, Mr. Plane is here, and I have reached an agreement.”
“I see that, but wouldn’t South Korea want to work with a financially stronger airline than one barely
standing on its two feet? No offence to you, buddy.” He said, giving me an apologetic look.
He came here, hoping to plant the seed of doubt in Ian’s mind and nothing else. The snake had no moral or business tactics; he only knew how to attack and double–cross.
“That is enough, Zion, and I am not your buddy,” I spoke through gritted teeth, and Zion paused and
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glanced back up.
“Did I lie?” He arched a brow.
The Plane Enterprise might be standing on two shaky feet, as you might like to call it, but at least we have more to offer our clients than torn chairs and cockroaches. We care about our partners‘ comfort and safety, not just the money we can get from them.” I said, doing a fine job keeping my tone business–like and calm.
Ian held his hand up. “I think I have heard enough; I will keep in touch.” He said nothing else before walking away.
“What the fuck did you think you were doing?” I demanded as Ian stepped out of the restaurant.
He smirked, and I felt an instant urge to wipe it off. “I was telling him he had more options than he initially thought. I am doing the same you would do in my place.”
“Your airline isn’t an option; it is an apology.” I spat and stormed out of the restaurant, finding my way to the parking lot.
Zion followed me, and it seemed he still had things to say. “We are still number 3 on the top ten airlines in the country, while you just dragged yourself to the sixth position.”
I have nothing to say to you, Zion; you are not worth my time.” I opened the car door to get in.
“I am worth Ms. Garcia’s time, unlike someone I know.” Zion laughed, making me pause.
I turned to him, and this time, unlike the last few minutes of enduring his nauseating presence, I was losing it. “Keep her name out of your mouth.”
An evil smirk appeared on his face. “I want to, but when you date someone so special, you can’t help but bring their name into everything you do. Won’t you agree?”
“You are a liar; you have always been and will always be.”
He smiled. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me.” He said, pulled out his phone and handed it to me after a few seconds of scrolling. It was a picture of him and Ela holding hands like couples do.
He yanked his phone from my hand, and a smirk crawled into the corner of his lips. “Do you believe me
now?”
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