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Chapter_63
The person who entered the room was Fred Meyers, the very man I had been trying to meet. Behind him was Mr. Meyers, the one who had given me a ride.
Fred and I locked eyes for a moment. It had been four years, and he looked different—older. His once jet-black hair had turned salt-and-pepper, and he appeared slightly leaner than I remembered. He studied me quietly for a moment.
“Is it really you, Ms. Chloe?”
“Fred, it’s me! Chloe Hartz. Long time no see!” I responded, feeling somewhat self-conscious about my current state.
“You need to lie down! Lie down!” Fred said, moving toward the bed. Atlas quickly got up to make room for him.
“Ms. Chloe, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I’m truly sorry,” Fred said, sitting beside the bed.
Atlas gestured to Mr. Meyers, and the two of them exited, leaving Fred and me alone in the room.
I couldn’t contain my excitement and blurted out, “Fred, you’re being too polite! Just seeing you makes this whole trip worth it. It’s my fault for dropping in like this. I had no other way to contact you and couldn’t meet you at your company!”
Fred paused, looking troubled. “My company…” he began, but then stopped himself. “Let’s not talk about that. What brings you here?”
Sensing his discomfort, I decided not to press him further and began explaining the reason for my visit. I also mentioned ATL Empire and the potential partnership that could help my cause. Fred listened patiently, but then he asked the question that made my heart skip a beat.
“Why did you sign a contract with Westridge Holdings, and why now do you want to switch products?”
I didn’t hesitate to be honest with him, explaining that I hadn’t even started my own company yet. Despite my financial constraints, I asked for a chance, promising to secure the ATL Empire project for both of us.
When Fred asked about the company I hoped to establish, I hesitated. I knew I was pushing my limits—arriving empty-handed, trying to negotiate a deal.
“Actually,” I began, my voice uncertain, “I hope to register my company. That way, I can participate in competitions legally. But for now…”
Fred nodded, urging me to continue. “But for now, what?”
I bit my lip before admitting, “For now, I came to see you to gather information. Despite financial issues, I’ll register the company when I return.”
Fred’s expression softened. “Ms. Chloe, can you arrange for me to meet someone from ATL Empire?” he asked, his discomfort clear. “As a businessman, I have to consider my interests. I have no doubts about your character, but this is business.”
His request made me uneasy, and I could sense he was embarrassed to ask. I felt a similar discomfort. Atlas was present, but he was just an assistant, and I wasn’t sure how to approach him about this. Still, ATL Empire’s project was my lifeline, the only path forward.
I reminded myself this was my one shot.
Tightening my grip on the blanket beneath me, I took a deep breath. Atlas had mentioned helping me before, so now was the time to take the risk.
“I was just speaking with someone from ATL Empire. Could you please ask him to come in?” I finally asked, swallowing hard.
Fred didn’t hesitate. He left the room and quickly called Atlas back inside.
As Atlas stepped in, I glanced at him. He stood there calmly, waiting for me to speak.
“Mr. Atlas,” I began, my voice shaky, “this is Mr. Fred Meyers, the owner of Urban Builders. His company specializes in cutting-edge thermally broken steel windows. I wanted you two to meet because ATL Empire is highly prioritizing these windows for the project. That’s why I came here.”
I turned to Fred. “Fred, this is Mr. Atlas Pierce from ATL Empire.” I intentionally left out his professional title, feeling the weight of the moment.
The two men shook hands, and then Atlas turned to me and asked, “Can I speak with Mr. Fred privately?”
I held my breath. Why did Atlas want to speak to Fred alone? I didn’t know, but I had no reason to refuse.
Fred agreed, saying, “I had the same thought.”
I nodded, watching the two men leave the room, leaving me alone to wonder if this was a step in the right direction—or a big mistake.