[26]
Many have been talking about the greatness of the owner of Josh Corp, which initially made Leonel skeptical. However, when they faced each other and discussed the business deal, Leonel knew that the dark horse in the Indonesian business scene was not an ordinary man. His age was almost equivalent to Leonel’s, and his substantial experience made their conversation exciting. Although both of them seemed unwilling to back down, isn’t giving in in the business world taboo?
Looking at the numbers on the agreements and the projects that could generate significant profits for the company, it became a personal target for the business owner to keep the wheels of his business running. Leonel firmly held onto that as well. At least from this meeting alone, he felt like he had met a worthy opponent who wanted to compete with Josh Corp no matter what.
“I think we have reached an agreement,” Josh said with a chuckle as he looked at the draft just given by Leonel’s secretary. “Thank you, Miss Beautiful, for your assistance.”
Deborah, who had been busy with many instructions and essential points of the cooperation discussion, looked up and was slightly astonished by the praise she had just heard. “Yes, sir. Thank you, too.”
Leonel grinned. He faced women in a way that resembled a hungry lion. Leonel guessed that Josh was now preoccupied with paying attention to his secretary. It didn’t matter because Deborah herself was quite attention-grabbing, as long as it didn’t exceed the boundaries of decency. However, when Leonel lifted his eyes from the report he had to review, the man he was negotiating with was already engrossed in his activities. Several times, he was seen discussing new points with his assistant.
Usually, when Leonel faced a new client, they would inevitably gaze at Deborah and end up questioning his secretary. Since Leo knew what Deborah was like and how competent she was, Leonel tried to be polite but also protective of Deborah. However, it was different with Josh this time. There were no such glances on the face of the bespectacled man.
It was just a compliment mixed with gratitude.
“Oh, by the way, Mr. Josh, have you received the invitation from Mountain Pte?” Leonel asked, making Josh turn his head. “Deborah, you didn’t forget about the invitation, did you?”
“No, sir. I have already provided everything. Also, for the Layson Group. If I’m not mistaken, they-”NôvelDrama.Org © content.
“That’s enough, sir,” Josh quickly interrupted. “You don’t need to worry about that. When else will we have the opportunity to attend the grand event of Mountain Pte?”
Leonel chuckled in response to Josh’s words.
“Moreover, this partnership has just been established. It would be impolite if I didn’t attend such an important event.”
They laughed together. “Lunch?” Leonel offered. Their conversation could be more relaxed outside the meeting room. Although this meeting was not too formal, there were still certain limits they had to maintain. They were competitors, after all. Leonel had to be cautious in handling the visit from Josh Corp. The same applied to Josh.
“Sure. I’m fine with that,” Josh smiled again, and this time it was much broader than before.
Leonel nodded in understanding. He asked Deborah to book a particular room for lunch in an hour. Deborah quickly arranged this sudden lunch. Usually, Leonel rarely offered to have lunch with his clients because he still needed more to do. The same applies now. There was a follow-up meeting with the board of directors, but Leonel decided to have lunch outside as he pleased.
When Leonel decided this, the conversation would be much longer than at the large table in this meeting room. And Deborah had to handle Leonel’s absence at the upcoming meeting quickly. That’s just how Leonel was. Sometimes his desires and steps couldn’t be predicted, even though Deborah had been working under his command for several years.
“I never expected to collaborate with Mountain Pte,” Josh began the conversation. He had finished reviewing the agreed-upon points and thought it wouldn’t hurt to try it. The offers and some of his desires had found a suitable adjustment. Josh had to admit that Leonel was a sharp businessman. The man in front of him was skilled and understood the field he was facing.
Not just anyone, Josh thought.
“I’m the same way, sir.”
“Just call me Josh, Leonel. Our ages aren’t too far apart.
Leonel chuckled. “Alright, Josh.”
“I heard that Mountain Pte is also expanding in Kalimantan?” Josh asked with undisguised enthusiasm. He removed his glasses, indicating that their conversation had relaxed.
“Yes, that’s right. Can’t rely on the same mine, can we?”
Josh laughed. “You’re right, Leonel. We need to have several other mining assets. You’re quite astute.”
“You’re an observer, it seems. I have yet to observe you too closely. Maybe because most of Layson Group’s projects are in Singapore?”
“Well, we’re quite stable in planning and executing several programs in New York City, but most of those projects don’t carry the Layson Group name. We only merged after agreeing on some new policies.”
“Business and mergers are common occurrences.”
“You’re more experienced, Leonel. I’m sure of it.”
Leonel laughed at the small talk happening in the room. “I think Deborah has finished making the lunch reservation. Shall we leave now?”
“Sure. At least lunch is a chance to prepare ourselves for the many important meetings.”
“You’re right, Josh. The demands around us must continue to progress as they are and, if possible, exceed the expectations we set.”
“Or… the opinions and recognition of others?”
Josh’s question caused Leonel to pause briefly. He turned his head to look at the man he had left behind for a moment while confirming his instructions with Deborah. There sat Josh William, still calm. He had taken off his glasses since the beginning of the meeting. Josh’s gaze was directed straight at Leonel without hesitation. Through his gaze, it felt like he was giving a significant warning that dealing with him couldn’t be taken lightly.
Leonel was fearless of Josh’s intimidating style. Instead, he became even more curious about the goals of Josh Corp, whose owner personally attended the meeting. Rumor had it that the owner preferred to send his trusted people for discussions and decision-making regarding collaborations. While Leonel was usually the one at the office, but now?
“I don’t need something like that, Josh.” Leonel smiled.
Josh nodded briefly. “You’re right. That was just my opinion in a broader sense. It doesn’t apply to you. I know exactly how Mountain Pte has grown.”
Leonel fell silent.
“Who wouldn’t be interested in collaborating with a company that has successfully run its business for the past twenty-five years?”
***
Chris patiently waited for Leonel’s return as Deborah told him he was having lunch with a client outside. It had been thirty minutes, and no sign of him was still visible. The Grisham family’s trusted lawyer had yet to schedule visits to specific clients, but this was taking too long for a lunch break.
Chris might meet him tomorrow if Leonel doesn’t show up at the office in the next ten minutes. Perhaps he needed to be more relaxed with his matters.
However, his wait was finally rewarded. Leonel burst into the room with a strong push, causing a somewhat surprising sound. And his face didn’t look relaxed; it seemed a bit tense.
“Are you… alright?”
Leonel blinked and regained consciousness. He felt irritated by Chloe’s recent neglect, especially when the waiter next to Chloe didn’t even answer his phone call. What were they doing that they couldn’t pick up the phone immediately?
“I didn’t know you were here, Chris,” Leonel said, rubbing his face roughly. A long sigh accompanied his actions. He directed his body towards the sofa and quickly leaned back. “Forgive me.”
Chris nodded understandingly. “Can I talk to you?”
Leonel, who had closed his eyes while massaging the bridge of his nose, let out another sigh. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Your divorce papers and the division of assets.”
Leonel straightened his back and accepted the draft document from Chris’ briefcase. His eyes scanned the words and the contents written there. However, his mother’s phone call disturbed him greatly.
“I am saddened by what happened with your wife, Leonel.”
They were talking about a much lighter topic. Family matters and mentioning each other’s partners. Leonel asked Josh to accompany his girlfriend to the upcoming Mountain Pte birthday party, and the bespectacled man agreed.
“I’m grateful for its rapid development. Unfortunately, my wife insists on receiving treatment only in New York City.”
Josh nodded understandingly. “I guess she doesn’t want to be far from you.”
“You can make jokes too,
“Life can’t always be tense, Leonel. There are moments when we know when to joke around.”
Leonel agreed with that. The lunch was quite enjoyable because Leonel felt like he had found a conversational partner and a balanced opponent in some aspects. There was a nagging feeling in his heart regarding the presence of Josh in front of him, but he tried to push it aside. Perhaps it was because, for the first time, Leonel met someone like Josh.
“I’ll introduce Chloe to you at the party, Josh.”
“Great idea. And I’ll introduce my girlfriend to you as well. But don’t expect her beauty to surpass your wife’s.”
They laughed together until Leonel’s phone interrupted them. “Wait a moment,” Leonel asked for permission. His brow furrowed when he saw the caller ID on his phone screen. Mama. “Excuse me for a moment.”
“Please, go ahead.”
Leonel quickly moved away from the dining table, which was almost empty of his food. He tapped the green icon to answer the call from his mother. “Yes, Ma.”
“You must be busy, right? I’m sorry, Leonel.”
“What’s the matter, Ma?”
“Earlier, Chloe asked for permission to go out with Adrianna. Did you know? Don’t worry or get tense. Mama trusts Adrianna and Peni. Let Chloe have fun outside, Leonel. Don’t restrict her too much.”
“I’m not restricting her,” Leonel quickly retorted, but his heart processed one thing. Chloe left the house without saying anything to him. Oh my goodness!
“Alright then. Mama just wanted to let you know. Get back to work, my prideful son.”
“Yes.”
However, after that, Leonel became restless. He repeatedly tried to call Chloe and Peni, but none of them answered. Even after the lunch with Josh had ended, Leonel hadn’t received any news from Chloe. His mind was suddenly filled with the worst possibilities that could happen to his wife. And this troubled Leonel during the journey back to the office after lunch. It was disconcerting. Chloe’s neglect truly disrupted his concentration.
“Leonel, are you listening to me?” Chris asked, noticing something had been bothering Leonel ever since he returned. But what was it?
“Ah, what were you saying?” Leonel replied, looking doubtful.
Chris stared at Leonel skeptically. “Are you thinking about withdrawing the divorce lawsuit against Chloe?”
“No,” Leonel firmly answered.
“Are you unaware that you’ve mentioned Chloe’s name several times since then? Your eyes read the draft I brought, but I’m sure your mind is thinking about your wife, right?”
Leonel fell silent.
“It’s still not too late if you want to fix things from the beginning, Leonel.”
He swallowed hard.
“Although the chances are slim because, you know, your affair is unforgivable.”
“Why are you so annoying, old man?”