Mike casually pointed at the document, then leaned closer to Tessa, greedily inhaling the scent on her. He closed his eyes in satisfaction. It had been a long time since he’d smelled something so enticing.
Tessa glanced at where he was pointing. It was just a standard clause notice. If she still couldn’t tell what was going on, then all her experience would’ve been for nothing. She immediately pulled back, putting distance between them, and said coldly, “Mr. Lee, please behave yourself. Also, take a look at what you’re asking about. How exactly do you expect me to explain that? Isn’t it something anyone can read? Or are you saying you can’t read, Mr. Lee?”
Tessa took a deep breath and said it all at once, not holding back in the slightest.
Mike’s face darkened instantly, as black as the bottom of a pot. “Before you came here, didn’t your company tell you to treat me well?”
Tessa let out an incredulous laugh. “I’m here to discuss a project. What do you mean by ‘treat you well’? You’re already at this age. What are you, an overgrown baby?”
Fuming, Mike shot to his feet. “Why don’t you ask around the industry about my reputation? Do you think I’d say this kind of thing for no reason? You came to discuss this project, which means you should’ve been prepared.”
“Prepared for what?” Tessa frowned in confusion, not understanding what he meant.
“What do you think?”
As soon as he said that, Mike sat back down and placed his hand on Tessa’s thigh, stroking it back and forth. Feeling the smoothness beneath his palm, he narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.
Terrified, Tessa sprang to her feet and slapped him hard across the face. “You disgusting old man! What do you think you’re doing?”
Mike felt the burning sting on his face. At first, he was stunned, but when he realized what had happened, his eyes flared with fury as he glared at Tessa. “You dared to slap me? Do you even know what the consequences will be?”
“I don’t care what the consequences are. I’d still slap you,” Tessa said coldly. “Do you even know who I am before trying something like that?”
“You’re just a minor director in your company. What’s there to be afraid of?” Mike’s tone turned vicious as he added, “But that slap, you’ll regret it. You’re finished.”
Tessa didn’t flinch. “You can go ask around and find out who I am.”
Chapter 1449
This was the first time Mike ever felt this way. He found it rather interesting and asked, “How come I’ve never seen Miss Walton before? Isn’t this your first time discussing a project with someone?”
Hearing that, Tessa was a little puzzled. She hadn’t expected him to notice; she thought she looked rather experienced. “Mr. Lee, you really have sharp eyes. You even figured out this is my first time negotiating a project.”
Tessa didn’t hide the fact that she was a beginner. She recalled what she had learned back in school. Showing a little vulnerability could sometimes satisfy a man’s ego. It made negotiations much easier because people tended to feel empathy for someone in a weaker position. Once their sense of superiority was satisfied, the project would move forward more smoothly.
The smile on Tessa’s face grew brighter. Mike was secretly pleased and began studying her carefully. Although Tessa wasn’t as stunning as Aurora, she was still a beautiful woman who could easily stand out in a crowd. Her features were bright, her skin fair, and her wavy hair added a touch of allure. The fitted cheongsam she wore made Mike’s throat tighten.
He smiled and said, “I didn’t expect this to be Miss Walton’s first time. I must say, I’m honored.”
Tessa found his words a little odd, but seeing his friendly expression, she didn’t think much of it. Maybe that was just his personality. Businessmen always had their quirks, and not everyone could be the same.
Tessa smiled slightly and replied, “Mr. Lee, why don’t we take a look at the project? I can assure you, working with our company will bring you profits you won’t find elsewhere.”
“Oh? Really?” Mike’s interest was clearly piqued.
Tessa was relieved when the topic finally shifted back to the project, and her mood instantly lifted. She gave a serious assurance, “Of course it’s true. I have no reason to deceive you. Besides, this project will be completed under my supervision. You can discuss any details with me anytime.”
Mike looked as though he was hearing this for the first time. He stood up and then sat down beside Tessa, his face showing no trace of improper intent, only genuine curiosity about the project. “Miss Walton, there are some parts I don’t quite understand. Could you explain the details to me?” He spoke earnestly as he sat next to her.
At first, Tessa felt slightly uncomfortable, but when she met his gaze, she realized she might be overthinking it. After all, he was already in his forties, and it didn’t seem appropriate to assume anything else. Besides, they were in a restaurant’s private room, but there were security cameras around, which made her feel more at ease.
Taking a deep breath, she began asking for his opinion seriously. “Of course, Mr. Lee. If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask. I’ll explain everything clearly. I want you to see my sincerity in working with you.”
“No problem!” Mike said cheerfully. “Then help me explain what this clause means.”
“And just so you know, my full name is Tessa Walton.”
“Tessa Walton?” Mike frowned, the name striking him as oddly familiar.
“It sounds familiar, doesn’t it?” Tessa said sharply. “Let me make it clear, I’m the eldest daughter of the Walton Corporation’s chairwoman and a director of the group. I came here today to discuss business with you, hoping you’d know your place. I didn’t expect you to pull something like this. Does your company still want to survive in this industry?”
“You’re the chairwoman’s daughter?” For the first time, fear flickered in Mike’s eyes.
“That’s right,” Tessa said, lifting her chin proudly. “I’ve made myself very clear. Don’t tell me you still don’t understand? Mr. Lee, I came here sincerely to discuss the project with you, not to deal with this kind of nonsense. I hope you understand what I mean.”