Broken

Chapter 11: Negotiations over breakfast

Fatima's phone rang, breaking the silence in her bedroom. She quickly wrapped a towel around her body, having just stepped out of the shower. With damp hair and water droplets still clinging to her skin, she rushed out of the bathroom and grabbed the phone from her bedside table. The unfamiliar number displayed on her work phone piqued her curiosity. She answered with a professional tone, "Fatima Wilson."

"Fatima," the voice on the other end greeted her. Instantly recognizing the voice, she frowned slightly, a mix of surprise and annoyance crossing her face. "Zachary. When I said give me a call, I didn't mean one at 10 in the evening," she said, glancing at the time on her alarm clock.

There was a brief pause on the line before Zac's voice came through, softer and tinged with something she couldn't quite place. "I guess I wanted to hear your voice," he admitted, a rare moment of vulnerability slipping out.

Fatima pulled a face, caught off guard by his candidness. "Excuse me?" she asked, sitting down on the edge of her bed, the towel slipping slightly as she adjusted her position.

"Can we discuss the lawsuit over breakfast tomorrow, at The St. Regis Atlanta, at 10 a.m.?" Zac continued, his tone more assertive now.

Fatima raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his sudden shift in demeanor. "Are you asking me or telling me?" she challenged, a slight smirk playing on her lips.

"Both," Zac replied, his voice steady and confident.

Fatima sighed, leaning back against the headboard. She hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the situation pressing on her. But there was something about Zac's insistence, the way he spoke with a mixture of authority and vulnerability, that intrigued her. Finally, she caved.

"Okay, fine," she said, a hint of resignation in her voice. "The St. Regis at 10 a.m. I'll be there."

"Great," Zac responded, a note of satisfaction in his tone. "Looking forward to it."

"I'm sure you are." she said before she hung up the phone and stared at the ceiling for a moment, her mind racing. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Zac than met the eye. As much as she tried to keep things strictly professional, there was an undeniable pull between them. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought aside and stood up, letting the towel drop as she began to get ready for bed.

Tomorrow's breakfast would be interesting, to say the least.
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Fatima arrives at The St. Regis Atlanta, her presence commanding attention as she steps through the grand entrance. Her bodyguards flank her, their imposing figures adding to her air of authority. The staff, recognizing her, immediately rush to greet her with warm smiles and attentive service.

As she's escorted to her table, Zac rises to greet her. He looks composed and confident, matching the sophistication of the setting. "You're punctual," Fatima remarks, her voice smooth as her bodyguard pulls out her chair. She sits gracefully, her gaze steady on Zac.

"So are you," Zac replies, a hint of amusement in his tone as he hands her a menu. Fatima takes it, her fingers lightly brushing against his. She quickly looks up at her bodyguards, positioned protectively on either side of her.

"You guys can leave me. He won't do anything," she says, her voice firm but calm. The bodyguards exchange a brief glance before nodding and stepping away, positioning themselves discreetly nearby.

With a small smile, Fatima opens the menu. The elegant script lists an array of luxurious breakfast options, but her attention is only half on it. Zac watches her, intrigued by the confidence she exudes. He can't help but notice how she commands the space around her, even in such a casual setting.

"Impressive place," Zac comments, breaking the silence. "I suppose you come here often?"

Fatima nods, her eyes scanning the menu. "When I have business in the area," she replies, her tone casual but with an underlying seriousness. "It's a good spot for meetings. The ambiance is... inspiring."

Zac chuckles, leaning back in his chair. "Inspiring? I guess that's one way to put it."

Fatima looks up, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It's all about the environment, Mr. Taylor. The right setting can make all the difference."

Their conversation pauses as the waiter approaches, ready to take their orders. Fatima closes the menu and gestures for Zac to go first. He orders with a confident ease, selecting a mix of the restaurant's finest offerings. When it's her turn, Fatima simply nods in agreement, letting Zac's choices stand.

As the waiter leaves, Zac leans forward slightly, his expression turning more serious. "So, let's get to the point," he begins, his eyes meeting hers. "You mentioned something about compensating my father if he decides to sell."

Fatima nods, her demeanor shifting to match his seriousness. "Yes, as I said before, we're prepared to offer a generous package. Your father's contributions are significant, and we want to ensure he's recognized appropriately."

Zac listens, weighing her words carefully. "My father sees it differently," he counters. "He thinks you're just another corporate player, trying to take away what he's built."

Fatima's expression hardens slightly, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "I understand his concerns," she says, her voice steady. "But this isn't just about acquiring property. It's about creating something new and beneficial for the community. We want to offer him not just financial compensation but a chance to be part of something bigger."

Zac remains silent for a moment, considering her words. He knows his father's pride and attachment to the building, but Fatima's vision seems compelling. There's a spark in her that suggests she's not just another businessperson looking to make a profit.

Their food arrives, interrupting the tension. As the plates are set before them, the aroma of the exquisite dishes fills the air, momentarily shifting the mood. They begin to eat, the conversation taking a lighter turn as they discuss the meal and the restaurant.

Yet, beneath the surface, both know that this breakfast is more than a casual meeting. It's a crucial negotiation, a moment where decisions are made and futures are shaped. And as they share the meal, they each consider what the next move should be.