Lumineer Tech had been founded by Amara Delaney in her mid-thirties— thirty years later it had now become one of the leading IT companies in the country; there had even been talks about them going international.
It's products included: Desktops, Laptops,Tablets, Smartphone,Servers, Smartwatches, Storage devices, Fitness trackers and had newly stepped in the direction of Virtual reality (VR) headsets.
The meeting had been set in a private room with elegant furnishings, tasteful artwork and refined lighting.
Avery was dressed in a charcoal gray suit, while Vivianne was dressed in a grey pantsuit and a white blouse — both of them looked sharp and neat— they had barely settled into their seats when Amara and her assistant arrived.
"Mrs Delaney." Both Avery and Vivianne stood up to greet her.
"I hope I am not late." Amara killed it in a dress, but she rocked her tailored red suit like it was nobody's business. Hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail to reveal her sharp and elegant features.
"Not at all, we barely just arrived." Avery smiled warmly. He had expected Lumineer Tech to send a representative, but Amara herself had shown up.
"Gabriel Blackwood." Unlike Amara's easy smile, her personal assistant was a stotic man who hid his thoughts behind an emotionless facade. His dark hair was styled into a classic pompadour, his dark brown eyes— calm and calculating — seemed closer to black and his silver suit— that contrasted against his dark chocolate skin— seemed ready to burst from the strain of his bulging muscles; that had Avery wondering if he was a personal assistant or a bodyguard— maybe a bit of both?
"Avery Ford." He caught Gabriel's palm in a firm handshake.
"Vivianne Rose." Vivianne exchanged pleasantries with Gabriel and Amara before they all took their seat.
"Thank you for considering our services," Avery said, his voice friendly and confident, "I and my partner would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you understand how our solution can benefit your business."
"I have browsed through your company's website and media pages and I must admit that I am intrigued." Amara voice was mellow and calm. "I am interested in working with your company, but I am not sure if your services are the right fit for my company."
Avery nodded understandingly. "I completely understand." Avery said. "Our service is designed to help businesses like yours streamline their operations and increase efficiency, we help to market your products to the right target market and increase brand recognizability and trust." Avery explained.
"Can you tell us a bit more about your current challenges and what you are looking for in a solution?" Vivianne asked.
Gabriel barely hesitated before launching into a detailed explanation about the company's needs and pain points. Amara added some points when necessary. Both Avery and Vivianne listened attentively— Vivianne taking notes and Avery asking follow-up questions to clarify their concerns.
"I believe that SparkDigital is your solution, we specialize in helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape,with our team of experts in digital marketing we provide innovation solutions to drive growth, boost brand awareness and increase online conversions." Avery said.
"These are things that other E-Marketing company have to offer, why should we choose you?" Gabriel asked sharply.
"SparkDigital boasts of one million satisfied customers more than any digital marketing company out there, if you take a look at our website page there are thousands of glowing reviews there." Vivianne did not cower under the oppressiveness of Gabriel's cold looks. "Millions of people trust us with their business and we have never failed them, and I know we won't fail Lumineer Tech."
"With our company you can get increased online visibility, improved conversion rate, enhanced brand awareness and result driven solutions." Avery said. "We provide measurable results that allow businesses to track their progress online, and our personalized solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each business." Amara's eyes lit up with interest.
"I think at this point we can shake hands on a happy co-operation." Amara smiled. "What do you think Gabriel?" She turned to her assistant.
"I think they have made some valuable key points, it wouldn't be bad to give it a shot." Gabriel said.
A warm smile broke out on Avery's and Vivianne's faces.
"It's settled then, our legal teams will meet to draft the contract." They shook hands. "Miss Rose and Gabriel, I have reserved a table for both of you downstairs, enjoy the lunch you deserve it." She turned to Avery. "I would like to have a word with Mr Ford in private."
Vivianne glanced at Avery with worry, but his assured smile made her leave with the stone-faced Gabriel following behind.
*******
"There's no happy celebration without good wine, your grandfather would agree." The bottle was opened with a loud pop. "Normally I prefer champagne, but I enjoy a good wine every once in a while." The dark red liquid filled the glasses quickly.
"To a happy co-operation." They clinked glasses together.
"That girl— Vivianne was it— she seems to have a good head on her shoulders, not many people can look Gabriel in the eye." Amara laughed.
"Vivianne is..... something." Avery smiled. She had acted with the professionalism and composure her resume and years of working as a marketer had boasted off— not like her childish behaviour yesterday.
"You impressed me Avery, I can't boast of such confidence and calmness when I was your age." If only she knew that Avery had been 34 years old in his previous life, and had amassed enough experience to remain cool-headed during a meeting.
"You over praise me Amara." Avery took a sip of wine, his tongue tingling from the spicy after-taste.
"Oh please? Don't undersell yourself." Amara said. "You remind me of my grandson." A hint of melancholy slipped into her arua.
"I have heard a lot about you Avery, perhaps a bit more from rumors." Avery didn't waver under Amara's scrutinizing gaze. "I guess not all rumors are true." No matter how much Amara thought she would never be able to guess the real truth behind Avery's change.
"I guess not." Avery shrugged.
"I found out your father wants you to get married, news that he's been seeking for suitors haven't been subtle." The red liquid twirled hypnotically in Amara's glass. "So I was wondering if you would like to marry my grandson."
Avery gave himself credit for not spilling a mouthful of wine on Amara's face, but still he choked.
"Oh dear!" Amara rubbed his back soothingly. "Did I overstep?"
"You want me to marry your grandson?" Avery wheezed out the question, face still red and lungs still burning as he struggled to control his cough.
"I meant you could go on a date with him and see if things work out." Amara clarified.
"Why?" Avery asked, he wasn't interested in being embroiled in whatever Amara was scheming.
"Don't look at me like that, I might be ruthless in the business world but I would never use my grandson as a pawn." She sounded offended.
"You seem suited for him— calm, smart, sharp, beautiful and elegant— I like you, call it a gut feeling if you must." Amara smiled— genuine and soft— as she reached across the table to stroke Avery's hand. "The fact that you are Vicente's heir proves that you're strong."
Avery hesitated, this opportunity just seemed to fall into his lap— he had come to the begrudging conclusion that he had to get married; it was the only way to escape Callan's control— he wasn't keen on finding out what sort of fate would await him if he married a man of Callan's choosing— the earlier he got his legal guardian rights, the better.
Amara seemed like a nice woman, and if his grandfather was good friends with her it didn't seem bad to deepen the connection.
"When can I meet your grandson?" Amara smiled warmly at him.
"If it's fine by you, then how about tomorrow evening?" Avery mentally pulled up his schedule and found himself free for the evening.
"Okay." Amara turned hesitant.
"My grandson is a good man, but he was involved in a car accident two months ago," she forced herself to speak past the lump in her throat, "the accident left his appearance not so suitable, he's lost a leg and his face is badly scarred." Avery placed a hand over Amara's trembling one's, she looked at him and smiled— vulnerable and teary.
"I would love to meet him." Avery smiled.
"Sloane can be a bit.... something, but I am sure you too would work out wonderfully well." Amara laughed.