: Busines

he strap of her backpack dug into her shoulder as she gripped her portfolio. The idea of presenting her gallery's most r

financial situation, a collaboration with Delacroix Industries ma

stomach in knots when the recepti

y for what was

provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the air was filled with the sound of silent efficiency. She

stated, "Mr. Delacroix will join yo

straightening her skirt. She had to concentrate. T

opped as the

over. Even though his charcoal suit was spotless and his face was inscru

inued in a stea

ed. "Alexander. I-Why

yes, a little grin curled hi

wo. "Is Delacroix Ind

her and nodded. "I manage strategic allian

led as she gulped deeply. "I...

p?" He inquired in a formal tone, but hi

oix Industries might be interested in sponsoring

r, leaning back in h

. It was hard to ignore the tension simmering under the surface while she spoke about the artist

ve as he tapped his fingers agai

g proposal." "But you shou

t constrict

ix Industries wants to do more than simply suppo

omach. Uncertain whether she had heard

e of the boutique galleries we have

d when did you intend

ges." "But it seemed like the right time

the ground. "I didn't come here

. "Every company can be purch

hered her portfolio

continued, "Lena." "Take a

art of her that wanted to go and never return, but there was a

, she took

ention," she re

ittle. "Your gallery is having financial difficulties, but it has prom

she said in a

said. "However, we would assume the financia

ns if you determine that my vision is

ot occur," h

ou can't gua

ed like a live wire for a time,

a eventually said. "I live my life at the gal

whispered, "I know." That's the reason I'm

he made

n his eyes as they met hers. "Because I think you're doin

t. She detested the ease with which he irritated her and the

and stated, "I need ti

eed." But be aware that someone else will buy your gallery

r as she scowled at

ps, he murmured, "Perhaps." "How

ouldn't quite put her finger o

ing as the elevator doors closed behind her.

purse as she left the building

he message, she fr

who you put you

lood