CHAPTER 99: CHAPTER 99

At that moment, when Robert stepped fully into the VIP room and saw Cora standing up to greet him, a small smile played at the corner of his lips. He walked towards her with a relaxed demeanor, waving his hand lightly as if to dismiss the gesture.

"Why are you standing up, Cora?" Robert asked casually, his tone friendly but firm. "Come on, sit down. We’ve met before there’s no need for all this formality."

Cora smiled softly, a faint chuckle escaping her lips as she returned to her seat with grace.

"Well, Robert," she said gently, "there is a need. At least on my part. I’m just doing my own side of the courtesy. Can’t let you have all the class, can I?"

Her eyes sparkled with a blend of charm and confidence, her tone light but respectful.

Robert chuckled as he pulled out his chair and sat down across from her.

"Well, it hasn’t gotten to that extent yet," Robert replied playfully, shaking his head. "But noted."

He settled comfortably into his seat, his eyes studying Cora with quiet curiosity. The waiter approached briefly to take their orders, but Robert raised his hand politely, signaling for a few more minutes.

Once the waiter stepped away, Robert leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table.

"When I got the call from Melissa," Robert began, "I won’t lie, I was very curious. And a little worried."

Cora tilted her head slightly, her smile still present but her eyes attentive.

"Malisa didn’t give me any details," Robert continued. "She just said you wanted to meet. No explanation... just a time and place."

He chuckled lightly, his gaze still fixed on Cora.

"So here I am, curious as ever what’s this all about, Cora? What did you want to discuss with me?"

At that moment, Robert leaned back comfortably in his seat, a light-hearted smile dancing on his face. His eyes, calm yet playful, remained fixed on Cora as he let out a soft chuckle.

"Let me guess," Robert said, his voice smooth and teasing. "I hope this isn’t about the mega project we discussed."

He tilted his head slightly, as if trying to read her mind.

"Wait... do you feel like I’m going to change my mind about the deal we already agreed on?" he asked, his smile widening. "Because if that’s the case, Cora, there’s absolutely no need to worry."

He waved his hand casually, as if brushing off the thought.

"When I give my word, I stand by it. I’m not the type to shake on something and then turn around doubting it. My words are final."

His voice was calm but resolute, the assurance in his tone making it clear he wasn’t someone who played loosely with agreements.

Cora smiled politely at his response, but she gently shook her head, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her glass on the table.

"No, Robert," she said softly, her tone sincere. "That’s not the reason I called for this meeting."

Robert’s smile faded just slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. He straightened up a bit, sensing the shift in her tone.

"The reason I asked to see you today is... quite delicate," Cora confessed. "It’s not the kind of conversation I wanted to have over the phone. I didn’t think it was wise."

Her eyes held his steadily, her voice lowering just a bit for emphasis.

"Some things are better said face to face," she continued, "especially when it comes to the possibility of a business deal that... might come with certain expectations."

She paused, watching Robert’s reaction carefully, making sure he understood the weight behind her words.

At that moment, Robert’s expression softened, and he gave a small nod of approval. He leaned forward just a bit, folding his hands neatly on the table, his eyes still locked on Cora.

"You know what," Robert said with a smile, "this... this is actually a good idea. I mean, meeting me face to face like this to discuss something important, that’s a very smart move."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head slightly.

"I like that," he added. "Sometimes, business is better done when you can read the other person’s face, their energy... not just words over the phone."

Cora smiled faintly at his response, feeling a bit more relaxed now that the atmosphere between them had settled into something less formal.

"So," Robert said, his eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity, "what is it that you really want to discuss with me? What’s this delicate matter?"

Cora inhaled lightly, then sat straighter in her seat. She began explaining everything, her thoughts, her concerns, and precisely what she wanted from Robert. She laid it out carefully, ensuring she wasn’t missing any details, but still keeping her tone respectful.

She watched Robert closely as she spoke, but his expression remained calm, occasionally giving her a slight nod to indicate he was following.

When she finished, Robert leaned back in his seat, blinking slowly as though digesting the information. Then, to Cora’s surprise, he smiled, even chuckled lightly.

"So... that’s it?" Robert asked with a playful grin. "That’s all you want from me?"

Cora’s brow lifted, unsure of what he meant.

"I mean, don’t get me wrong," Robert continued, laughing softly, "but I was sitting here thinking it was something massive... like something really, really huge. I was curious maybe even a little worried."

He waved his hand dismissively, still smiling.

"But this? This is nothing, Cora. This is something so little."

Robert leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping just a bit, sincere and reassuring.

"Don’t even worry about it," he said confidently. "In fact, if you’ll just let me handle this personally, I’ll take care of it."

His eyes twinkled with quiet certainty.

"I have some very, very good lawyers, the best, actually. These kinds of situations? They can sweep through them effortlessly. To us, this is minor work."

At that moment, Cora smiled softly, her expression calm but appreciative. She looked Robert in the eye, her voice steady yet warm with gratitude.

"Thank you, Robert," she said gently. "Thank you for the offer, for the kind gesture. The fact that you’re even agreeing to this, that alone is more than enough for me."

She paused for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping on the surface of the table as she carefully chose her next words.

"If I truly wanted a team of lawyers to handle this efficiently," she continued, "trust me, I would have done so already. I have the resources, and I know who to call."

Her eyes darkened slightly, her voice firm.

"But... I know the kind of person I’m dealing with. I know his tactics. He’ll play the sympathy card, he’ll paint himself as the victim, twist the story to his favor. He’ll make it messy, emotionally messy and I don’t want him to have that privilege over me."

Cora’s gaze was unwavering, her posture poised.

"That’s why I chose this path," she added. "This way, things stay in my control. Quiet, effective, and clean."

She leaned back slightly, a relieved smile returning to her lips.

"And since you’ve agreed to this," she said softly, "then I have nothing else to worry about. I’ll handle the rest... and do what is needful."

At that moment, Robert smiled with calm confidence, his eyes resting steadily on Cora as he spoke with a sincere tone.

"No problem, Cora," he said warmly. "If you need anything and I mean anything don’t hesitate to reach out to me immediately. I’ll do whatever it takes, within my power, to make sure you have it."

His voice was smooth, steady, and full of assurance. He wasn’t just saying it to sound polite he meant every word.

"After all," Robert continued, "we’re partners now, right? Business partners. And partners should keep communication active. We should be talking even more regularly to make sure everything flows smoothly between us."

Cora smiled, nodding in agreement. His words felt easy and reassuring.

"Yes," Cora said softly. "That’s very true. It’s important we stay connected."

Without wasting another second, Robert reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a neat, metallic-edged business card, sliding it gently across the table toward her. Cora smiled as she picked it up, examining the design briefly before reaching into her purse to retrieve her own card.

They exchanged cards with mutual respect, both knowing the importance of keeping each other close in their contact list.

"We should exchange numbers too," Robert suggested with a grin. "Cards are great, but nothing beats having direct access."

"Agreed," Cora chuckled.

Within moments, they exchanged numbers, each saving the other with precision. The air between them felt lighter now, the lines of partnership clearly drawn.

Once the numbers were saved, they both stood up, almost instinctively extending their hands for a handshake.

As their hands met in a firm grip, Cora let out a soft, playful laugh.

"Why are we shaking hands, though?" she asked with a teasing smile. "We’ve already done everything sealed the deal, exchanged contacts... what’s the handshake for?"

Robert chuckled in return, his grip firm but easy.

"Well," he replied, his grin wide, "it’s a formality. But... it’s cool. Makes it all official."