All of this was an unexpected snag, causing a delay in their plans. So, the next day, Dorothy had a private meeting with Emmett before Natalia returned from the hospital. Only then did the three of them head to the conference room.
After they had mapped out the due diligence process and delegation of tasks, Natalia stood up and made a point of apologizing to Dorothy. "I'm sorry, Ms. Sanchez. | indulged in my love for food too much, and it's affected our work. It won't happen again.” "No problem; | get it. The food in Havenbrook City is too good to resist." Dorothy reassured her while patting her on the shoulder.
"Let's make sure we nail this due diligence. Once we're back at the office, I'll advocate for some additional benefits for you both with Lane." "Ms. Sanchez, you're too kind. Thank you!" Natalia’s face was filled with so much gratitude that she looked like she might burst into tears. "People have been talking badly behind your back, but they just don't understand you!" At that, Emmett shot Natalia a warning look, reminding her to watch what she was saying.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDorothy laughed it off. "I'm used to it. Some people can't handle their jobs but excel at spreading rumors. The company will weed them out eventually. I'm not bothered." Sometimes, when she looked at Natalia, she could see a younger version of Karen. She was candid, naive, and was clearly spoiled with a lifetime of love and affection from her parents.
Dorothy sent Emmett to the Bureau of Industry and Commerce without telling anyone, hoping to catch them off guard and get some real insights.
Natalia, not being the best at communication and because she was still recovering from her stomach problem, was asked to wait in the hotel. If they needed her, they could easily reach out.
Dorothy, on the other hand, went alone to Verity Holdings Limited in Havenbrook City. This was the company they were due to examine.
She was greeted by a young man in a smart suit. He was older than Dorothy, but not by much, and he had a constant smile that gave him the air of a seasoned professional.
"Our leadership is taking this collaboration with East Star Enterprises very seriously. We're hoping for a prosperous partnership.” Dorothy smiled back. "That's a mutual hope! Verity Holdings Limited has been in business for many years and is a respected enterprise in Havenbrook City. It's an honor for East Star Enterprises to collaborate with you." The man handed over his business card. "My name is Gabriel. I'm the project manager at Verity Holdings Limited." "I'm Dorothy. Nice to meet you.” After some small talk, they moved on to the main topic.
Gabriel suggested they could go to a restaurant to discuss things further while having lunch, but considering the incident at the Prosperity Consortium, Dorothy was hesitant to go to a restaurant alone with a man.
She didn't want to risk encountering a similar situation without Everett around to help this time.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"| find restaurants can be a bit noisy. Let's continue our work, and once we're done, | can invite you for dinner.” Dorothy suggested. She thought that if she brought Emmett and Natalia along, it would be safer.
Gabriel didn't object. He simply nodded in agreement.
In the conference room, Dorothy laid out the terms from East Star Enterprises. Naturally, when it came to matters of profit, Gabriel's expression stiffened.
However, as a representative of East Star Enterprises, maximizing the company's profit was part of Dorothy's job.
"I need to discuss these terms with our leadership, Ms. Sanchez. How long are you planning to stay in Havenbrook City?" "I'l head back as soon as we've reached an agreement. There's a lot of work waiting for me at the office." Dorothy replied, implying that she was serious about the collaboration. If it didn't work out, it would be their loss, not East Star Enterprises’.