When We Meet Again

Charlotte had just given the last touch to her face and was ready to leave for her company's end-of-the-year party and award night. It's the end of the year, and their company has set up a social night for the workers to appreciate them for their good work. To every other worker, it is a day off work and a day to have fun but for Charlotte, it's strictly about business; an opportunity for her to speak to a few people and get them to work with her. She stared at herself in the mirror once more. She isn't too dressed, is she? She thought.

She doesn't want Melvin talking about her trying to flirt with their guests to get contracts from them; an easy way for him to slander her. She headed downstairs after being satisfied with her looks. In the living room, stood one of Melvin's bodyguards. Charlotte wondered if he left already; though she had no plan to go with him even if he hadn't gone yet.

"He left already," the bodyguard said. "He asked that I bring you."

Charlotte sighed. "You don't have to. I will find my way to the venue."

She could tell Melvin was scheming something to have asked his bodyguard to accompany her to the venue but whatever he had in mind, she wouldn't let him do it.

She entered into her car and headed to the venue. She got to the gathering a few minutes before it commenced. She was able to speak to a few of their guests gaining their trust to work with the company. A few hours after the party began, she stood at the far end of the hall, sipping from her glass of wine while she had a little chat with Bella.

"How many contracts have we been able to secure on the land development program?"

"Five, ma'am. Five had agreed to work with us. Three of them promised to think about it and get back to us as soon as possible. We've not been able to meet with Mr Joel yet."

Charlotte sighed. Though she had gotten five people to work with her and three had promised to think about it and get back to her, she still wasn't satisfied; she needed Mr Joel more than anyone. Everyone knows him as a tycoon in business. And getting to be in charge of his assets acquiring is a big deal for her.

"We need to get him on our side before anyone else does." She mumbled.

"Do you have any plans in mind, ma'am?" Bella asked. "His bodyguards will not let us get closer."

Charlotte smiled. "I think I know what to do but first, get me every necessary document to convince him."

"Do you think you will be able to convince him today? The party is about to end."

Charlotte smiled. "I don't need to convince him. I just need to get his attention and schedule a separate time to meet him. I will try my best to schedule a time with him. Just make sure every document is ready. Just in case he wants to talk about it today."

Bella nodded. "I will get the documents from the car."

She headed outside, while Charlotte walked to a waiter and picked up a glass of wine. As she headed towards Mr Joel, she had planned to spill the drink on him and apologize. That way, she thought she could get close to him but luck was not on her side; someone with the same scheme poured him the wine before she could.

"I-I am so sorry." The young lady apologized.

"It's nothing." Mr Joel replied, placing his hand in his pocket to get his handkerchief.

When Charlotte realized he might not have one, she moved closer to him but was stopped by the bodyguard.

"I just want to give him this?" She waved the handkerchief in her hand. "He doesn't seem to have one."

Mr Joel stared at the kind beautiful lady in front of him who offered a handkerchief without being asked to.

"Let her pass through. I can't find mine."

Charlotte moved closer to him. "You can have this."

"Thank you... What is your name?"

"Charlotte Smith," she replied with a smile. "Luckily, sir. Your shirt has no stain. You just need a little water and that's all. I will wet the handkerchief for you."

Mr Joel smiled. "Thank you, Charlotte. I must say you are not only kind but beautiful."

The other young lady beside her stared dangerously at her.

Who is this lady who had just stolen the spotlight she had created?

Charlotte walked past her with a smile and muttering a thank you. If the young lady had not poured the wine instead of her, she might not have had the opportunity to get close. She could tell for some reason that the other lady succeeded because she got help from one of the bodyguards; it didn't seem easy to get close to him at all.

"Are you now flirting with Mr Joel?" She heard.

She could tell from the voice that it was Melvin but she decided to ignore him. She can't let him spoil her plan for the night. She returned to Mr Joel after wetting the handkerchief and handed it over to him. "Thank you, Charlotte."

Charlotte noticed the other lady had left already. She could also see Melvin staring dangerously at her; though he did not attempt to come close.

"What do you want from me, Charlotte?" Mr Joel asked after a while.

"I do not get you, sir," Charlotte answered.

"I saw you speaking to your secretary over there." Mr Joel pointed. I also saw you with Melvin Miller. You must be his legendary wife."

Charlotte furrowed her brows. "Legendary wife?"

Mr Joel nodded. "You do not know? Everyone knows Melvin is married to a very young, beautiful, and brilliant woman who had never lost a contract." Charlotte smiled. "I do not know if that is a compliment but thank you."

"I heard you are into real estate now."

"How did you know that?"

"You spoke to two of my friends and from what they say..." He smiled. "I might be inviting you over for dinner soon. Hope you do not mind."

"I do not mind sir."

Mr Joel collected one of his business cards. "Take, this is my business card. Give me a call tomorrow so we can schedule a time." Charlotte nodded. "I will sir. Thank you."

He showed her, her handkerchief. "I will keep this until our next meeting."

Mr Joel left, and Charlotte went in search of Bella to give her the good news.

"Were you able to schedule a time? I think you did. Your smile." Bella said

Charlotte smiled. "I wasn't expecting it to be that easy. He gave me his business card and asked me to call him tomorrow."

Bella shrieked in happiness. She was happy her boss was able to pull this through. A woman showed up in front of them while they were still rejoicing. Charlotte recognized her as the lady who had caused the scene that gave her an opportunity.

"Hi," Charlotte muttered.

"Do not think you won." She said. "It is not over yet."

Charlotte watched her walk away. She sighed. It wasn't her fault that she got the chance to speak to him instead of her.

"Who is she?" Bella asked. "Why is she threatening you?"

Charlotte smiled. "It's nothing. You don't have to worry about her."

What matters is that she gets to speak to Mr Joel soon!