Chapter 349 - A Business Deal...

The four looked at each other, and Ashley could not answer immediately. Sato was the first to get back his senses, and while shaking his head, he motioned to Ashley to let him handle the situation. 

"Leave it to me, boss. I will straighten him up in no time." He said as he went to the door to face the employee that was knocking at the door.

He only opened the door slightly ajar and poke his head out. He's not sure if President Sanches was with the employee or waiting outside.

He then asked, "who did you say looking for President Jones?" Sato asked while his face was seriously facing the nervous employee. He was speaking to the employee with his manly voice.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir. This is the card he gave me, he said his name is President Sanches, and he also added that he was Ma'am's friend." Right after the employee handed the card to Sato, he wasn't sure of what to do and he fidgeted as he stood waiting for his instructions.

Sato accepted the business card, and without looking at it, he gave his order to the employee.

"All right, you go back in there and tell him that ma'am is still in the meeting and you haven't talked to her. He wanted to wait, up to him. Tell him exactly that! No more, no less ... Do you understand?" Sato said while rolling his eyes.

"Yes, sir!" The employee replied while turning around to go back to where Alden was waiting patiently.

Sato quickly closes the door and returns to where Ashley, Celia, and Fumika are waiting. Sato was waving his hand that was holding the business cards in the air as he approached Ashley... 

"I don't believe this ma' der! Why can't that person leave you alone? Really! He even went out of his way and look for our booth. Anyway, here it is his business card and waiting for you to talk to him. " At the same time, Sato handed the card to Ashley.

As soon as Ashley received Alden's business card, she didn't even bother looking at it. She immediately put it in the trash before she began facing and walked back and forth. 

"What is with this guy! Why can't he get it in his thick stupid head that I'm not interested in him and also I'm happily married?! Ahhhh!" Ashley exclaims as she keeps going back and forth trying to think of a way to make Alden understand and to leave her alone.

"What do you guys think? Shall I talk to him or not?" Ashley asked the trio who was following her every move as she goes back and forth.

The trio looked at each other while speaking with their eyes asking questions? No one could answer. If Ashley had only asked about the business, they would have responded quickly. But, because she was asking them a personal question, no one could answer.

When no one answered, Ashley suddenly stopped and confronted them. "What? You all don't have any suggestions? Help me out here!" Ashley is very frustrated because she knows that Alden likes her, and even though he knows she is married, he still does not want to stop.

Celia couldn't stand it anymore and decided to give Ashley advice as an a.d.u.l.t. Whether Ashley will accept it or not, at least she gave advice. 

"Ma'am, if I were you, I would deal with President Sanches. However, do it professionally. He's here because of the convention, right? Then tell him that you would only talk about business. When you start conversing and he turns the conversation to a personal matter... -- Change it back to business. What do you think? " Celia asked no one in particular.

Sato's eyes lit up and a smile popped-up on his lips. "Okay! I'm with you on that, and ma'der... if you need my help ... I could sit in with you guys." Sato's offer.

Fumika just nodded and said nothing. She has no advice to give and couldn't think of any because she still has no experience when it comes to relationsh.i.p.s and courting.

Ashley smiled and thanked the trio before ... - "I got it, that's what I would do. Thank you!" She then turned to face Sato. "It's okay, I can do it. Just help outside and hope we can get more customers after this event. All right- I'll take care of President Sanches. " 

She raised her and hand and motioned for the trio to go back outside as she follows to invite Alden inside the makeshift office...

===

So that Alden doesn't think there is another reason why she agreed to see him, she left the door open in the makeshift office after he enters. She wants Alden to understand that their dealings were purely business.

"Sit down, President Sanches. What drink do you want? Soft drinks, water, or coffee?" Ashley said as she stood a few feet away from Alden, and her hand was outstretched and pointing to the chair in front of the table.

"Thank you!" Alden replied as he approached the chair. "It's okay, I just finished drinking coffee. I might not be able to sleep with that later. Hahaha!" Alden jokingly replied as it was apparent in his voice that he was nervous too.

Although Ashley also feels nervous, she did not show it. She smiled timidly as she sat down on the other side of the table. When she sat down, she made sure her posture was straight, before looking at him straight face... "President Sanches, what can I do for you?"  She made sure that she looked professional and did not even blink as she spoke.

"... Oh ... Ah ... H-how are you?" Alden stammered and wondered why Ashley was so cold to him.

"I'm fine, President Sanches. Thank you for asking. Now, how can I help you?" Ashley asked again as her emotions were blank and her face was serious.

Alden realized that nothing will happen because it is obvious from Ashley's treatment of him that she has no desire to face him. So he decided to just talk about business and maybe the person in front of him will change her treatment of him.

"I wanted to speak with you about some business proposition. If you have time, how about over lunch?" 

"I see, I'm sorry because this is just the first day of the convention, I'm busy discussing business over lunch. Why don't we talk about it now? But if you have another appointment, you can come back when you have time." Ashley replied as if it just didn't matter to her.

When Alden heard Ashley's answer, he was even more worried because she might not see him next time. He immediately thought about what business they could talk about.

"I'm thinking that since your Marine division supplies different companies with their stores and provisions, I want to offer to be your exclusive wholesaler of products from the Philippines. I'm not sure if you know that my family has a manufacturing and distribution company. We supply all over the world." Alden's proudly inform Ashley, thinking that she would be impressed. 

Ashley thought for a moment before answering. Even if she has no desire to talk to the person in front of her, business is business. If she can get a cheaper product from Alden's company ... Why not!

After contemplating for a moment, "sure! Why don't you send me a proposal, here is my card and email address where you can send it to. I will study first and run it by our purchasing department. Once we made our decision, I will let you know if we are interested or not. Okay? " 

Ashley didn't bother waiting for his reply. She swiftly got up and stretches her hands for a handshake. "If there's nothing else, I still have a lot of things to do. So' let talk again once we receive your proposal."

Alden could do nothing but accept Ashley's card and shake her hands. But in his mind ... 

'Ashley Gusman, If you think you will be able to get away from me... You got another thing coming. I will do everything so that I have another chance to meet with you again, just wait and I will be able to conquer you no matter what. If I can't get you with kindness, then I will force my way! One way or the other, you will be mine.'  He mumbles as walks out of the makeshift office with a smirk on his lips...

***

They have some kind of challenge going on right now where some of you readers could also get benefits for supporting your favorite books. Kindly, take the time and check it out.  

I also lowered the cost of the privy hoping that I could be part of the challenge and get at least 200 readers.  Last but not the least, I will make up the chapters that I had missed and give you a mass release asap.

Thank you!