“Hold on,” Ste called after her.


    “You still owe me an apology.


    ”


    Surveying the room, Dulce realized there was no easy way out.


    With a grimace, she muttered, “I’m sorry,” and retreated hurriedly.


    As soon as she exited, the reporters dispersed too, clearly disheartened.


    Left alone in the room, Ste and Mia faced each other.


    Carefully, Ste slid the dress back into its protective dust bag before turning her gaze to Mia once more.


    She pursed her lips, a touch of vulnerability coloring her words.


    “Ms.


    Dury, I regret that our first meeting had to ur under such circumstances.


    ”


    “You don’t need to apologize,” Mia replied with elegant grace.


    “None of this was your fault.


    ”


    Still uneasy, Ste worried about making a poor impression.


    “I admire your brand immensely.


    I genuinely hope you’ll grant me another opportunity to sit down and discuss potential coborations.


    I’m confident I won’t disappoint you.


    ”


    Mia nodded, her own admiration for Ste apparent.


    Mia thought of Ste as someone who was neither cowed by authority nor overly assertive, just the right bnce.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    “I too am interested in exploring the possibility of a partnership.


    ”


    Ste’s eyes brightened at Mia’s words.


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    Yet, before she could bask in the moment, Mia offered a cautionary note.


    “While you’ve demonstrated your integrity today, understand that I am traditional at heart.


    I would hope you don’t have any love life scandals to your name,” Mia advised, her tone earnest yet kind.


    Ste understood the underlying message.


    Clearly, Mia had caught wind of the reporters’ insinuations.


    But Ste harbored no concerns over her love life.


    She aimed to earn Mia’s respect on her own merits, independent of her rtionship with Matthew or any association with Prosperity Group.


    “My love life is impably straightforward,” Ste assured her.


    Mia offered no furtherment.


    Picking up her purse, she bestowed a gentle smile upon Ste.


    “Then please proceed with your preparations.


    I eagerly await our next meeting.


    ”