Paid To Love You

chapter 10

I have been thinking of ways to set up a meeting with the Hardin's Empire without showing up.
Stupid right? Yes, I know.
I have to make a move before the meeting hold in other for it to turn out well for both parties.
Starlight needs their partnership, not because they're that important but because we aim at reaching a new target audience within a specific age range. Hardin's Empire is our only hope because we're not based in that area.

Starlight is a multitasking company and we're best at what we do. But usually, we only care about those who can afford to buy our products and we target the elite in the society. That is what brought us this far.

But now, we're trying to change the concept and that requires us to partner with a successful company that produces goods locally, mainly for middle-class people. And that is where Hardin's Empire comes in.

Though Hardin's Empire is now in the international market, it still has experience in dealing with the middle class since those are their target audience right from start. And that's why we want to partner with them.
We'll continue to do good in the international market, while we explore the local market too.
It's a win-win project for us but that'll only happen if can compromise with the Hardin's Empire.

Knowing full well how my family runs their business, I know it'll be a little difficult because they only care about what will benefit them and their pocket.

If they're aware of our motives, they'll come to realize that the partnership will benefit us more than them. And that's probably why they're demanding that much.

The Hardins never lose.

I know the game they're playing, and two can play it better but am afraid I'll get caught up with my past.
I've tried so hard to stay away from those people, I don't want anything to do with them anymore.

On the other hand, they might be doing this on purpose because am sure they must have seen or heard that I'm working with The Star Light because of the news.

It wasn't supposed to be an issue but I ran into one of my family's house help who told me they've relocated to this city for about a year now.

So it's either they are doing this to make me show up or they're just acting like the selfish bastard that they are. Either way, I don't want to deal with those people but I don't have a choice.

So I have concluded. I'll see them but it's only because of the deal and I'll not entertain any personal discussion.

I informed Nick about the meeting I set up with the Hardin's Empire and he insisted on coming along.

I have a feeling it won't end well.

The meeting will hold at 4:00 in the evening and our conversation will determine whether we'll be having a deal or not.

We decided to meet at a restaurant to negotiate.
As expected, it was a classy one. "The Hardins never does anything less than tranquillity"
They've made a reservation so we just walk to our table.
When we get there, Robbin sat down with his famous smile on his face. He looked comfortable in his expensive tuxedo but if I don't know better, I'll mistake his smile for that of happiness.

He seems to have everything yet he looks so empty. But then, why should I care.

He stood up as he sees us and exchanges pleasantries with Nick.

I was right all along, he's not surprised to see me. He must have known I was working with Nick all along.

Are you just going to stare at me kid sis?  He questioned with a smile.

Nick looked between Robbin and me in confusion.

Do you know each other?

Of course, Robbin answered.
"Hardin, he emphasizes" does it ring a bell? Guess she didn't tell you who she is. He states still smiling.