Chapter 63
Beyond the Divorce
Falling Back Into Old Ways The person who entered the room was Fred Meyers, whom I had been trying to meet.
Accompanying him I was Mr.Meyers, who had given me a ride.
Fred and I locked eyes for a moment.
It had been four years, and he looked older.
His once jetâblack hair was now saltâandâpepper, and he appeared slightly leaner.
He gazed at me for a while.âIs it really you, Ms.Chloe?â âFred, itâs me! Chloe Hartz.
Long time no see!â I felt somewhat selfâconscious about my current state.
âYou need to lie down! Lie down!â Fred walked over to the bed, and Atlas quickly got up to make room.
âMs.Chloe, Iâm sorry for keeping you waiting.
Iâm truly sorry,â Fred said, sitting beside the bed.
Atlas signaled to the other Mr.Meyers.
The two of them exited the room, leaving Fred and me alone.
I was excited and exclaimed, âFred, youâre being too polite! Seeing you makes this entire trip worthwhile.
Itâs my fault for dropping in like this.
I had no other way to contact you and couldnât meet you at your company!â âMy company⦠Fred paused with a troubled look.
âLetâs not talk about that.
What brings you here?â Understanding his hesitation, I didnât press further.
Instead, I explained my visit.
I also mentioned ATL Empire and the potential partnership that could help my cause.
Fred patiently listened.
Then, he asked why I had signed a contract with Westridge Holdings and why I now wanted to switch products.
I was honest with him, including that I hadnât formed my own company.
Despite my financial constraints, I asked for a chance and promised to secure the ATL Empire project.
I hesitated when Fred asked about the company I wished to establish.
Clearly, I was reaching beyond my means, arriving emptyâhanded to negotiate a deal.
âActually, I said, slightly uncertain, âI hope to register my company.
That way, I can take part in competitions legally, But for now⦠Frad hodded as I trailed off, then urged me to continue.
But for now, what? Eghved end confessed, âFor now, came to see you to gather Information.
Despite Rancial issues, i will law company when i retum +15 BONUS âMs.
Chloe, can you arrange for me to meet someone from ATL Empire?â Fred asked, his discomfort clear on his face.
âAs a businessman, I must consider my interests.
I have no doubts about your character, but this is business.â He seemed embarrassed about making the request, and I felt a similar unease.
Atlas was present, but he was only an assistant.
I also didnât know how to approach him about this.
I used ATL Empireâs project as a lifeline to find my path.
It was farâfetched.
Tightening my grip on the blanket beneath me, I reminded myself that this was my only shot.
Atlas had mentioned helping me, so I risked it.
âI was just speaking with someone from ATL Empire.
Could you please ask him to come in?â âSure!â Fred didnât hesitate.
He left the room and called Atlas back inside.
I swallowed hard and looked at Atlas.
He stood there calmly, waiting for me to speak.
*Mr.
Atlas, I began, âthis is Mr.
Fred Meyers, the owner of Urban Builders.
His company specializes in cuttingâedge thermally broken steel windows.
âI wanted you two to meet because ATL Empire highly prioritizes the steel windows for this project.
This visit was specifically for that reason.â Then I turned to Fred.
Fred, this is Mr.
Atlas Pierce from ATL Empire.â I intentionally left out his professional title.
The two men shook hands, and then Atlas asked me, âCan I speak to Mr.
Fred privately?â I held my breath, wondering what Atlas meant by that.
Why did he want a private chat with Fred? However, I had no reason to refuse.
Fred agreed, saying, âI had the same thought.â I nodded and watched the two men leave my room.
All I could do was take a chance.
Instead, I felt stupid.