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"Good to see you again, Miss Blac."

Cosette glanced to her left and initially caught the straight navy blue suit, then moved her eyes up to see Asher's charming and defined face of a young man. His hair was brushed back cleanly, displaying his awe-inspiring beauty. Surely, Asher's face was the type girls and women would line up for. He was still in his late teens, but his exuding appeal was something Cosette could not deny.

'If only he's not a jerk...' she hissed in her head. Not that she held grudges against him, but she didn't plan to come in between the male and female lead. They could have their happy ending for all she cares. All she needed and wanted was for her baby villain to have a different ending, and Luke too.

"It's been a while, young master Quinn." Cosette tilted her head down slightly but paid him no further attention as she smiled at Conrad and Maynard. The latter's face was already contorting as their handshake had prolonged more than it should be.

'Goodness... Papa might ruin this all because of his personal feelings.' She mentally shook her head, and at the same time, Conrad finally let Maynard hand's go.

'God damn it!' Maynard glared at Conrad, letting his hand hang limp until it recovered its strength.

"President Quinn, CEO Blac, this way, please." After several seconds, a middle-aged man approached the two men from the side and motioned his arm. By the way Conrad nodded at the middle-aged man and how Maynard didn't conceal the disdain in his eyes, Cosette was certain this man was someone who those two men knew and respected.

"Cozie." Conrad cast her a sidelong glance, which she returned with a nod.

"I'll follow," she replied politely, waiting for those two men to head inside while she follow closely behind. Once the two engaged in business talk, she was certain the air would change. This was akin to two emperors' meeting for a peace treaty of both empires, and Cosette didn't want to ruin it.

"Ash." This time, Maynard cast Asher a look, and the latter nodded.

"Yes, Father." Asher cast her a look, only to see her glance at him for a second.

With that being said, both Conrad and Maynard walked side by side, ignoring the beeline of people bowing as they entered the elite country club owned by the Quinns. Behind them were some important people, such as their assistants, legal teams, and then their children.

Cosette was walking just right behind Conrad, keeping her chin up and with a dignified poise. She was presenting her father and she couldn't allow other people to find fault in Conrad through her. Hence, Cosette used a lifetime of elegance from the original Cosette and carried herself with pride. It was not like she was trying hard. All she needed to do was keep a straight face and no one would know she was actually a bubbly and silly young lady.

Walking beside her was Asher. As they entered the premises, he couldn't help but glance at her from time to time. His eyes fastened with amusement at how differently she carried herself. The playful and reckless young lady in the Quinn's family home appeared to be just a figment of his imagination, and now that same face was wearing this unsmiling face that could make anyone have second thoughts about approaching her.

'That makes sense...' He thought, gazing ahead with his chin up. 'Now, it all makes sense.'

In his understanding, the reason Cosette had such a respectable reputation in the academy was not because of her high marks, but also the way she carried herself. From what he heard, Cosette was someone unapproachable. She would usually give those who tried to approach her a quick head-to-toe look and leave without giving her feedback!

Asher had been questioning this since his first encounter with her, and everything following that was entirely different. It was as though those students in the academy were describing a different person. The only time his thoughts waned was during their last encounter over a week ago.

But now that the situation required tact and decency, Cosette turned into a completely different lady. She was graceful and sophisticated, and despite her youthful face, she carried the domineering air just like her father.

'I guess I owe her an apology.' He smirked slightly, sensing the cold shoulders she was purposely giving him. 'That arrogant guy... surely had a good eye.'

pA n,dan(-)0ve1.c0m ******

For a project as big as this, even though they were still at the initial phase of the deal, it was being dealt with meticulously for both parties to gain fairly. This was a partnership, after all. Both Conrad and Maynard knew each other, and they were akin to both gigantic wolves who were trying to get the best of the meat laid between them, unwilling to be taken advantage of.

Having both of them in the function hall where a long table in the middle was set, occupied by Conrad's people and then Maynard's on the opposite side, discussing business. The constant demands and counters of their bosses relatively pressured their people.

Meanwhile, Cosette was sitting in the corner, where she could hear their discussion but was not a part of the table. Conrad insisted on letting her sit beside him, but it didn't sit well with her principles. For her, this was simply a learning experience and to admire her father from the sidelines while he was doing his business.

There were more people who deserved to sit with them, who could actually help this meeting come to a peaceful conclusion. So far... aside from Conrad and Maynard's 'childish' demands just to piss each other off, the situation was at a stalemate.

Cosette raised her brows and glanced to her right when Asher sat down beside her. Her straight expression didn't change much, staring at the dashing young man who had breached her territory unannounced.

Asher cast her an indifferent look, arching a brow as if silently asking her what was the matter. But Cosette pressed her lips into a thin line and set her eyes on the table occupied with business people.

"Angry?" he broke the silence between them when a minute passed and she ignored him.

"No."

"I'm sorry." He shrugged, apologizing half-heartedly. "I was wrong and underestimated you. I thought you will not notice."

"I'm not angry, Young Master Quinn," she repeated just as half-heartedly as his tone, matching the lack of sincerity.

"Are you sure?" he let out a dry laugh, clearly enjoying the unspoken humor she was giving him.

"You don't want to anger me." This time, she cast him a knowing look and looked dead in his eyes. "You'll know I am angry when I'm angry."

He rocked his head, lips closed. "If that is what you say."

Cosette nearly rolled her eyes. The more she conversed with Asher, the more this perfect male lead image she had for him show cracks. If Asher was truly bothered and acknowledged his wrong for judging Maxen without an intention of even knowing him, Cosette would be a little appeased.

Not that their last encounter bothered her and she nearly forgot about it. But since he came to her and brought it up half-heartedly, her disappointment with Asher raised three levels. She would rather not have his apology than get such an upsetting excuse. Although she believed Asher shouldn't apologize to her, but to Maxen instead.

Silence gracefully danced between them as Cosette focused her attention on the discussion ahead. Minutes had gone by, and she nearly forgot about Asher's presence until the latter spoke once again.

"What do you think will happen?" she looked back at him after his question. Asher tipped his head toward the table where both their fathers were having a deal. "Do you think this deal will have a fruitful conclusion?"

She blinked twice and then set her eyes on Conrad and then at Maynard. "No."

"Care to share why you said so?" he arched a brow, anticipating her explanation.

"Because they already knew what they would gain and lose." She shrugged, eyes back to Asher. "Isn't that the reason for this meeting? It is not the goal because this will partnership will surely take off, but to cut any losses from both parties."

His lips curled up in amusement as he nodded once. "How quick."

"I'm a Blac," she smirked proudly, having this strong sense of pride just saying that. "We won't allow anyone, especially the Quinns, to take advantage of us in this joint venture."

"That's a little daring of you to assume the Quinns will take advantage of your company."

"But isn't that the same for you?" she returned calmly, averting her eyes from him. "President Quinn wouldn't free his schedule to deal with this if he didn't share the same sentiments as we do."

A short and low laugh broke from Asher as he studied her confident air. He didn't want to admit it, but what she said was right. Maynard wouldn't deal with this himself and send Asher to settle it all on his own if his father wasn't worried Conrad would eat them all alive. It was the same with Conrad. He would've sent Warren to deal with this if he didn't know Maynard would swallow them and would even lick the plate clean.

"I like how your mind looks," he expressed, making her glance at him, but he had already gazed ahead. "It's rare for someone to understand such a tricky situation. Surely, you and I… will have a fun time together in the future."

His eyes narrowed, watching Maynard and Conrad smile at each other to hide their irritation. In the future, when those two stepped down, it would be him and Cosette who would banter like this.

"I'll surely crush you." He smirk and cast her a side-eye, chuckling when she scrunched her nose up.

"Think whatever helps you sleep at night." She chuckled, knowing he was simply trying to rile her up. But deep in her heart, she took his words as a challenge. Once Conrad retire and Cosette replaced him, she would crush… no, pulverize Asher, and gloat it to Conrad.

Well maybe, Cosette held a grudge against him a bit.