Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)-Chapter 233 - Refreshing Candor, Stressful Negotiation

Mr. Laurent turned his palm flat up while indicating a different direction than his colleague and former classmate went. Back out the door that I’d originally entered Studio C from.

"Well, it’s those two lionesses’ show now. We’d only be side characters if we stay for their negotiation. What do you say we go for some refreshments in the meantime?"

"A drink sounds perfect. I’m afraid I’ve not taken a sip of anything in too long."

"There’s a small kitchenette through here. Nothing fancy, but the coffee the others keep is... decent if you like that sort of thing. I however keep proper tea on hand."

As we headed toward the door, I caught Jessica gathering her camera equipment with the quick movements of someone who did not wish to be there. With her things slung over her shoulder she glanced toward where Anise and Maia had squared off over the conference table, then back at me.

"Room for one more? I think I’d rather not be here when things get... intense between them."

"Of course. Intensity when subtlety will do is just the worst."

Ember answered without turning back to her, but I caught a small smirk on his face out of the corner of my eye. No wonder he is friends with Anise... though he is not the *same* sort of meddler, he is the quiet kind!

The kitchenette was indeed small compared to the studio itself. However, it was well-appointed and invitingly warm... clearly designed by someone who took their beverages seriously.

> I wasn’t sure if he was actually an Englishman, because I can hardly be expected to be an expert in accents... but either this helps prove it or helps sell his persona. <

The man moved through, filling an electric kettle while gesturing to a cabinet stocked with various teas, as well as a coffee machine that looked like it belonged in a high-end café. Somehow with what he said before, I’m assuming this was picked by his assist- the production coordinator.

"Tea or coffee?"

"Tea, please."

He had already been pulling down cups from a cupboard that all but assumed what I would pick, but he was right so there was no point in making a big deal of it. Jessica settled onto one of the two stools at a small counter and I joined her as she placed her bag down carefully.

> Ah. I left my bag in there. Well, Anise has it I’m sure. <

"NO, THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!"

All of us turned to the sound of one of them yelling out there. I’m pretty sure it was Ms. Katsaros, who had been so relatively calm before now that it makes me wonder how she had been ’triggered’ so quickly.

However, I’d already agreed to let the seamstress use her inside knowledge and business degree, not that I’ve seen the document, to handle all of this. So I ignore whatever is going on and just fold my hands in my lap.

"N-nothing for me. Thank you."

He nods at the photographer, who is my new friend’s suddenly embarrassed niece it seems, and then settles his attention on me once more.

"I’ve got an excellent Earl Grey here."

He opened a tin and the scent of it filled the air. The citrus touch was not appetizing to me at all right now. In fact it made me a little queasy and that reaction must have showed on my face.

"Or if you prefer something lighter..."

On the whole I know nothing of the teas here - mostly just what I had at Tsukisushi. But explaining that to a refined gentleman sounds like I’ll be looked down upon. So I’ll just list my preference and use the time honored trick of letting others decide.

"I’ll try whatever you recommend that does not have citrus tones. At times they disagree with me. But strong tea itself is fine by me."

"Then I’ll make an Assam for us both. It will be ready post-haste."

As the designer prepared the tea with the same close yet elegant attention he’d shown during the interview, the young woman beside me fidgeted in place. The... silence between our trio wasn’t uncomfortable to me, but there was definitely a tension radiating from her.

Probably because of the raucous laughter that could be heard in the other room. I believe this time it was Simone. Really, just what is going on in there? I thought she was negotiating financial terms...

"You know, Jessica... I thought the two of you might have actually talked. If you both got in the same room again. And no, she didn’t put me up to anything."

"But she told you we weren’t talking?"

"No, she didn’t have to, because your mother already did. As did the guilty silence yesterday when I mentioned you would be here. Rather obvious, poppet."

> Hmm. So this reunion was definitely orchestrated. <

I’m not sure I’m that comfortable with their ’friends and family’ affair being ironed out in front of me without everyone’s permission. But I guess he would not have done so if he thought she would be mad about it.

...Probably.

"Em, can you not call me that in front of your new model?"

"She is no longer working. It was also explained to me that she is your aunt’s good friend... and I do believe that Ms. Lomdi here does not mind."

"I said it because *I* mind!"

Good friend? Well, I guess you would not introduce someone to a job when you barely know them, normally. I’ll keep quiet about that, too. Though it does seem like I should break in with something.

"She did not tell me you would be here, but she has mentioned you... a few times in passing by ’niece’. Rather, you’re the only family member I was aware even potentially existed."

"...I thought you were her good friend?"

> Well, that didn’t last long. <

Her sulky tone tells me she is not happy that she had been the only one spoken of. Though I don’t really know their family enough to tell what reason she has to be upset by it... it does feel like the kind of mood one has when they are recognizing the possibility of being ’wrong’.

Like when you’ve gotten a *small* revenge then realize that you had gone too far. Quietly, I remove all of that spicy honey from my soul.

"We have only become friends quite recently. But she seems to care a great deal about people, so I am trying to return that favor."

"I know she does. But that’s not... it’s complicated."

Ah. That’s a phrase that sounds really familiar.

> No wonder Anise took to me so much. <

I may not look like this young woman, but apparently I worry like her quite a bit.