Jojo was practically shouting through the phone.
“But Zoey, Leon’s famous for being really picky! He turns down most partnership offers on the spot!”
Zoey froze for a moment as the streetlight cast shadows on her face. “But he said he’d think
about the contract.”
“That means we definitely have a chance!” Jojo squealed. “If he wasn’t interested, he would’ve sent you away. The fact that he said he’d consider it means he’s at least 70% on board. You’ve got to follow up fast. Don’t let up!”
“I will.”
After hanging up, Zoey hailed a cab. The moment she slid into the backseat, the heat of the summer evening immediately dissipated.
The next day, Zoey was putting on lipstick at her vanity when her phone suddenly rang.
Leon’s name showed up on the screen, and she hesitated for a few seconds before answering.
“Mr. Crawford?”
“Ms. Silvain,” he greeted her with a low chuckle. Zoey could hear the faint sound of traffic in the background. “Are you free today? I just sent you an address. I think you might be interested in coming along with me.”
Zoey was about to ask about the contract when a message popped up on her screen. Exasperated, she tapped it open and noticed it was the downtown exhibition hall’s address.
Zoey stared at the words “Contemporary Architectural Art Exhibition.” She’d had her eyes on this exhibit for a while now, but the tickets had sold out ages ago. Even Jojo, with all her connections, hadn’t been able to get her hands on one.
To be honest, she couldn’t think of a single reason to say no.
Half an hour later, Zoey stood outside the exhibition hall and spotted Leon leaning against the front of his car, waiting for her. He wasn’t wearing a suit that day. Rather, he was casually dressed and looked more relaxed than when they’d first met.
“I heard you minored in architecture back in university, Ms. Silvain.” Leon held the glass door open for her.
Chapter 19
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The soft lighting inside the gallery spilled over his profile as he said, “The curator of this exhibition happens to be a friend of mine.”
Zoey stopped in her tracks. She had never told Leon about her minor, nor had she mentioned
how much she was looking forward to this exhibition.
“Mr. Crawford, please don’t tell me you’ve dug into my background,” she chuckled.
“Well, what can I say? The key to success is to understand both your own strengths and
weaknesses, as well as those of your opponent. When we had dinner together the other night, I noticed you staring at the restaurant’s structural design.”
Zoey was caught off guard. She had indeed been drawn to the restaurant’s unique architectural
design that night. However, she hadn’t expected him to notice.
The next two hours flew by as they walked through the gallery, surrounded by shifting lights
and shadows. Leon seemed to know every piece like the back of his hand, and his commentary
always offered a new perspective to Zoey.
Ten minutes later, she couldn’t help but remark, “Mr. Crawford, you’re way more knowledgeable than I am. And I’m the one who’s supposed to be the enthusiast!”
“Call me Leon,” he said, turning to look at Zoey. “I’ve always believed that it’s in these off–the -clock moments that you truly get to know the people you’re working with.”
Zoey studied the twisted, dynamic artwork in front of her and realized that there was a reason
the man before her was so successful.
Just then, her phone vibrated in her purse. It was a message from Jojo.
“Any updates on the contract?”
Zoey looked at the screen, then at Leon, who was solemnly explaining the meaning behind
one of the exhibits.
She replied, “It’s going well.”
Chapter 20
