Sweet Love 2x: Miss Ruthless CEO for our Superstar Uncle-Chapter 40: Blatant Disrespect
When Arianne arrived at the designated meeting place to meet some of the partners of the Rochefort Group, she had already received a briefing from Gio earlier and reviewed the reports herself. None of the information was new, but that was enough to set her expectations. π§πππππ«π·π€πΏππ‘.ππ€πΆ
Lucas offered to accompany her, but she declined. She was aware that being seen with Lucas would invite further questions about her authority as Interim CEO.
A waitress greeted them politely at the entrance and led them to the VIP area, where the partners were waiting. The corridor leading inward was narrow, intentionally so. It forced proximity, slowed movement, and encouraged conversation before doors closed.
Arianne walked at an even pace, unhurried. She looked around.
The floors were black and shiny, while the walls were soundproof, designed to enhance patronsβ privacy. The lighting was low but deliberate, angled to reflect off polished surfaces rather than faces. It created the illusion of intimacy without offering warmth.
Guards were deliberately assigned a measured distance from each room. Close enough to be visible. Far enough to be ignored.
The restaurant was well known in Montclair. Here, status was not measured by foot traffic, but by absenceβhow rarely one could secure a table without prior arrangement. She had heard from Gio that it would take weeks to secure a table here. This was also a favorite place for executives and businessmen to make connections.
It was her first time stepping inside. The structure, however, was familiar. The restaurant used to be an arcade center where she, along with Alex and Gilbert had frequented when they were younger. The layout had changed, but the angles hadnβt. She noted that immediatelyβand dismissed it just as quickly.
When Arianne arrived, none of the partners acknowledged her presence. No chairs shifted. No conversations paused. Even the clink of cutlery continued uninterrupted. Only one man lifted his head to look at her. Her high heels were loud enough to click on the floors, but even that wasnβt enough to get everyoneβs attention.
The private room had been arranged to encourage familiarity. The round table offered each guest a clear view of the others, but Arianne noted that no seat was left open for her. One chair had been deliberately left to the side.
They spoke about timelines that had already been finalized. About projections that had circulated weeks ago. One of them laughed at a remark that wasnβt even funny in Gioβs opinion.
Arianne served herself calmly. She noted which of them avoided her direction entirely, and which glanced at her just long enough to confirm she wasnβt interrupting.
They were waiting for her to correct the tone. To assert her presence. To remind them who was leading this meeting.
She did none of it.
Arianne took the seat closest to the exit and didnβt make any comments. She removed her outer coat and placed it on the chair armrest. The waitress served her a drink and left. Gio remained standing several steps behind her, waiting.
The executives engaged in conversations, deliberately keeping the talk within themselves. The discussion drifted to numbers, schedules, and internal jokes. One of them commented that decisions of this scale required "a steadier temperament".
The discussion was not particularly urgent or important. That, too, was deliberate.
Gio frowned, but remained silent. It wouldnβt be the first time someone had questioned his sisterβs ability, and surely wouldnβt be the last time they would regret doing it.
Arianne ate in silence without looking up.
She quickly identified the pattern and problem.
Mr. Ward was uncomfortable because he had expected resistance, not absence. The others were comfortable because they assumed they had the upper hand in this negotiation. None of them had prepared for refusal.
This went on for a few minutes before the executives noticed her lack of response. Her silence unsettled them more than any reaction would have.
They glanced at each other in silent discussion. One of them cleared his throat to get Arianneβs attention, but failed. She continued to eat as if that was the only reason she was there.
A moment later, Mr. Ward mustered all his courage and spoke to her.
"Ms. Summers." Mr. Ward said. He was the only executive who looked uncomfortable from the moment she entered the room. "This is Starvilleβs renewal proposal. Please reconsider us."
He then slid a folder toward Arianne. He shifted on his seat, looked around, wondering why he was sweating when the air conditioning was in full blast.
Arianne glanced at it once, then passed it to Gio without opening it.
She set her utensils down carefully.
The sound of the clinking silverware broke the rhythm of the table. Their discussion stalled.
One of them cleared his throat again and adjusted his cufflinks, expecting Arianne to regard them.
They were ready to start the negotiation. They believed they had waited long enough.
But Arianne had enough already. She would rather return home and spend time with the twins than waste another minute with these people.
She then wiped her hands with her napkin and stood. Her chair screeched on the floor.
The other executives were taken aback by her actions.
"Whatβs the meaning of this, Ms. Summers?" One of them openly showed his displeasure. "We are not done yet."
Arianne paused, her hand reaching for her coat.
"You are," she said.
Another scoffed at her words.
"Is this how the Rochefort Group conducts negotiations now?"
"Franz Rochefort should come here and negotiate these contracts with us. Sending an Interim CEO? What do you take us for?"
Arianne raised a slender brow, unfazed by their insults. She heard worse before this.
"The Rochefort Group doesnβt negotiate under conditions of disregard," she replied. Her tone was even and calm. "This meeting was scheduled to discuss renewal. Youβve made it clear that isnβt your intention."
She then glanced at Gio.
"Weβll consider the alternatives," Arianne said with finality.
Gio inclined his head in understanding. A slight smile curled his lips.
Arianne left with Gio, leaving the partners behind.
They were too stunned to utter another word to protest.
The corridor outside was quieter than the room theyβd been in. The waitress who served Arianne was startled when she saw them leaving. It hadnβt been half an hour, but Arianne had already taken her leave. She didnβt slow her pace.
Inside the closed room, Mr. Ward remained seated, staring at the untouched folders of his companions. He had been in enough negotiations to recognize when someone had the upper hand. Too bad his companions thought otherwise.
