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Chapter_45
The Cocktail Event
With a plan forming in my mind, I immediately called Ivanna, asking about the coat. She responded with a surprised tone, “Oh, I forgot it’s still at the dry cleaners!”
“It’s fine. I’ll pick it up myself,” I said, dismissing her apology. I was about to hang up when I remembered that I didn’t have Atlas’s number.
I paused, sitting back down. I searched my laptop for any clue, but Atlas’s contact details were nowhere to be found. It struck me that he must not be a major figure at ATL Empire if he was so elusive. Despite his charismatic presence, a company as large as ATL Empire wouldn’t employ anyone without a significant position.
I hadn’t yet figured out how to get Atlas’s number when Matthew called, asking me to come to his office. When I arrived, I realized he wanted me to cross-reference the data I’d collected from my visit to ATL Empire. I explained everything to him, ensuring there were no loose ends. This deal was crucial—Tanum Corporation was my creation, and I couldn’t afford any actions that might jeopardize its future. I specifically reminded Matthew to focus on securing the exclusive new product line.
Before I could finish, Johnson entered the room with news about an industry association cocktail event. He handed Matthew an invitation and an attendee list. I glanced over the names and immediately saw an opportunity. Many major companies were on the list, and it seemed like the perfect setting for me to make valuable connections.
Without missing a beat, I volunteered to attend the event with Matthew. He hesitated, clearly not keen on the idea, but I insisted, claiming it would be a chance to broaden my horizons. Eventually, he relented, and we agreed to go together.
I hadn’t been to many of these gatherings in the past—Matthew was always the one handling public appearances. After all, he was the head of the family, and I was content to stay in the background. But the Matthew I once knew wasn’t the same. I couldn’t afford to pass up any opportunity to connect within the industry.
At the event, I immediately spotted Atlas. He stood out, his poise and charisma matching or surpassing that of the top CEOs around him. He was engaged in conversation with an elegant middle-aged man, who I learned was Nick Wright, the General Manager of ATL Empire’s Genovia headquarters—someone who should have been present during the bidding.
It clicked: Atlas was likely his assistant or in some similar role. A perfect chance for me to get close.
As I mingled, several clients I recognized approached, eager to catch up. They asked about my time away from the industry, to which I responded casually that I’d been focused on family life. I played my part, standing beside Matthew and letting him charm the crowd with his polished demeanor. Despite our company being small, he held his own against everyone with confidence.
We put on the act, publicly displaying affection, all the while I kept my eyes on Atlas. And then, just as I expected, Atlas followed Nick in my direction, a glass of wine in hand. His gaze swept the crowd, and when his eyes finally locked with mine, I knew the game was on.