We Can Return

14) Dinner with a Surprise

3 person POV

Earth: "Hi, Off. Can you talk?"

Off: "Hi, Earth. What's up?"

Earth: "I talked to Christian and found out why he doesn't want to work with you."

Off: "Really? What did he say?"

Earth: "Well, he said it's due to some bad experience from the past."

Off: "That's strange because James and I never worked together directly."

Earth: "Yes, I told him that too. But it seems that whatever interactions you had left a bad impression. James takes it very personally, and Christian, as his life partner, fully supports him."

Off: "Life partner? I didn't know that."

Earth: "Yes, and when he mentioned it, I noticed he has the same wedding ring as James. I remember James mentioning he was looking for a house for his family. James is very dedicated to his family, and his relationship with Christian is very close. They've been together for a long time, and their relationship is strong."

Off: "I really can't remember doing anything wrong. I don't even know what James looks like, for heaven's sake."

Earth: "I understand your frustration, but Christian was adamant. James is very charismatic and has a strong personality. He's known for being very demanding and having high standards, which might be why he's so sensitive to any negative experiences."

Off: "That's really unfortunate. Do you think there's any chance they might change their minds?"

Earth: "Honestly, I don't know. I thought about organizing a dinner next week when we sign the hotel takeover as a small celebration and inviting you too. What do you think?"

Off: "That sounds great, let's try it. Just don't tell them I'll be there. Thanks, Earth, for finding this out."

Earth: "You're welcome, Off. I hope this misunderstanding gets resolved."

Day of the Hotel Takeover

Gun's POV:

I know that normally, big press conferences are held for such events, but I try to avoid them. I informed Earth about this in advance. We agreed to sign the documents in the presence of two partners from S.G.W, namely me and Krist, along with lawyers and senior management with whom I plan to work in the future.

Earth expressed a desire to organize a small celebration or rather a business dinner in the hotel's VIP lounge, where he invited his father's closest business partners as a final farewell to his father's hotel and also invited me. Krist and I decided to attend, as it could secure new contacts for us in Thailand.

The signing went smoothly, and then Earth and I chatted over a glass of whiskey in his, now my, office, waiting for dinner time.

Earth's POV:

I'm nervous. Both because I sold my father's hotel and because I'm unsure if the plan Off and I devised will work. I talked to Christian and James Smith, trying to steer the conversation towards their personal lives, but I didn't learn much. Just small details. I knew they had a third partner in the company, but it was news to me that he doesn't participate in business matters at all. I found out that Christian Smith is the CH. Smith, a very famous architect from America, and he will personally oversee the renovation, which pleased me, and I know the hotel will be in good hands. I mentioned to him that one of my father's acquaintances, who owns a large and well-known architectural firm, would be attending the dinner and that he might consider them if he needed help.