The Royal Contract

"I think you are doing very well. Many of your clients are very impressed with your work." Gerald commented as they drank the wine served to them as they waited for their client.

He did experience it for himself. He knew that Dani contributed quite a lot to their case. He could not monopolize the credit because she did work hard to give him a good position against the opposing team.

"Thanks for this opportunity. I think your guidance has helped me a lot. I have learned so much from you." She expressed her appreciation for his trust in her. 

She knew that she did not make it this far if not for the support of all the people she had worked with, in this case, her new mentor, Gerald. He had been patient with her despite all her shortcomings.

"Shall we drink to our good teamwork?" He raised his glass to her, waiting for her to acknowledge the toast.

He believed that he was finally making a connection with her. It might be work-related, but it was a start. He was willing to wait, but he was hoping that he would not be too late.

He heard that the couple had moved up the date of the wedding, an earlier schedule. The news did not bother him at all. Anything could still happen between now and then. He believed that Dani might still change her mind. 

"Sure." She smiled at her boss, genuinely agreeing with him. She clinked her glass with his before taking a sip. However, she could not help but wonder why the opposing client was still missing.

She hoped that Mr. Bradshaw did not suddenly decide not to join them. That would be a total waste of their time. Besides, she did not want to think that she gave up a perfect date, only to be stood up by a client.

"Tell me, Dani..." But before he could continue further his statement,

she interrupted him. 

She notified him that their guest had arrived. "Oh, I'm sorry, but he is on his way here." She did not intend to cut him short, but she suddenly felt that she was not comfortable with what he had to say.

It might be intuition, or she was overthinking things, but she felt that her boss was showing some form of interest in her. She was not aware of what kind yet. But it might be because he liked picking on her brain. 

"Mr. Bradshaw, it is so nice to see you again." He stood up from his chair and offered him a firm shake, which he gladly accepted.

He was slightly frustrated because he knew that the timing was not good. He had the perfect opportunity to get to know her more, but he lost that chance when the other man came to the scene.

But the show must go on. Gerald had to start this meeting and see what the man had to say to their case. Was he about to accept their terms? But he wondered why he did not bring along his legal team.

"Mr. Bradshaw, good evening." Dani also offered her hand to him, but instead of shaking it, he gave her a mild graze of his lips on her knuckles.

She did not mind since many men did use that gesture as a sign of respect. But she was anxious to know what the meeting was for and to learn if they finally won.

"You are more lovely than the evening." The man told her as he slowly let go of her hand. Then, all of them returned to their respective seats.

He did admire the beautiful lady at his side. He could see that she was not only beautiful but had a matching brain in that gorgeous head of hers. She did make it hard for his team to fight this battle.

She would have been a great match to his son, but he already heard her engagement to the prince. It was a missed opportunity and a loss for his company. 

"Thanks, you look great as well." She knew that compliments were never necessary for business transactions, but sometimes it was important in making things run smoothly.

She had learned that many wealthy men liked to boast their wealth, accomplishment, and other priceless possessions. They wanted their egos inflated until they felt like they could almost touch the sky.

Well, Mr. Bradshaw was one perfect example of this kind of man. He only wanted recognition, wealth, and power. He could not care less of the other people who might be suffering because of the consequences of his actions.

"Well, shall we order and eat and then discuss the reason why I called you here?" He did not like mixing business with his food. It stressed him out and interrupted his digestion. 

But as soon as the meal was over, he did start the conversation about the case. It began with mostly pleasantry but then went into business eventually.

"I guess there is no other way around this problem." Mr. Bradshaw finally asked them directly. 

He was not afraid of getting into jail because that would never happen, no matter how strong their case was against him. But he knew that he would lose a lot of money if he did not cut the deal in half.

"What are you suggesting?" Gerald asked, waiting for his real intention. Mr. Bradshaw did not waste money on trivial matters. But he also did not want to waste them if he could help it.

In the end, he and Dani realized what Mr. Bradshaw wanted to happen. It would certainly end the case. They would win it too, but the prize money was just not as good as their initial proposal. 

"Well, think about it." Mr. Bradshaw said as he stood up and made his excuses. He concluded the meeting and bade farewell to both of them.

He would let them sit on the idea and wait to hear from them. He did not bring his lawyers with him because it would only complicate the matter. He already knew what he wanted to happen.

"What do you think of his counteroffer?" Dani felt a bit disappointed that Mr. Bradshaw did not take the bait of grabbing their initial offer.. He was indeed a good businessman but still a cunning man.