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Novel Catalog
Chapter_48
I waited as the phone rang, the anticipation tightening my chest. When Atlas finally picked up, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of nervousness creeping in.
“Hello?” His voice was smooth, almost too calm.
I took a deep breath, forcing the tightness in my throat to loosen. “Mr. Pierce, it’s Chloé. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”
There was a brief pause before he replied, his tone neutral but attentive. “Not at all, Ms. Hartz. What can I do for you?”
I hesitated, considering the words carefully. I needed to tread lightly. “I was hoping we could meet soon. There are some things I’d like to discuss… about ATL Empire, about Tanum Corporation. It’s important.”
Another pause, and I could almost hear the wheels turning in his mind. “What’s the nature of this discussion?” His tone was still impassive, but there was an underlying edge, a curiosity.
I shifted in my chair, the fabric of my clothes rubbing against my skin. “It’s about business, but also… about the future. I think we both know the potential we have to make something significant happen.”
I could feel the weight of his silence, as if he was weighing my words carefully. Finally, he spoke, his voice slightly softer. “I’m intrigued. Let’s meet tomorrow, say noon? I’ll send the details.”
“Perfect,” I replied, my mind already racing with possibilities. “Thank you, Mr. Pierce.”
After hanging up, I sat there for a moment, the phone still in my hand. This could be the turning point I needed. No more hiding behind the shadows of Matthew’s decisions. It was time to take control.
The next morning, I prepared myself for the meeting. I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. Not now. I dressed carefully, choosing an outfit that conveyed confidence without overstatement—subtle yet powerful.
As I arrived at the meeting spot, a sleek café in the city center, I noticed Atlas waiting at a corner table, his posture relaxed, but his eyes sharp and watchful. When he saw me, he stood and gave a slight nod.
“Ms. Hartz,” he greeted, his voice low but steady.
I sat down across from him, trying to maintain my composure despite the racing thoughts in my head. “Mr. Pierce,” I replied. “Thank you for meeting me.”
He didn’t respond right away, instead taking a moment to assess me. “You’re quite bold, you know,” he said, his gaze unwavering.
I met his eyes, my own expression neutral. “I’ve learned that sometimes, you need to make your own opportunities.”
He chuckled softly, a sound that was both amused and assessing. “You’re not afraid to take risks, I see.”
“I think risks are part of the game,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “But with the right alliances, the risks can pay off. You and I both know the power of that.”
Atlas studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without breaking eye contact, he spoke. “I’m listening.”
It was time to make my move.