Nate left the papers on the table after pretending to have read them with caution. He didn't care about what was written, for he had no intention of agreeing.

What were those people looking for was a mystery, but he could try guessing with a glance.

The man was in front of him, sitting straight and waiting for a response. A nervous smile was on his lips, and his forehead was covered in sweat.

He had dark brown eyes, just like Lara, but his hair had been of a lighter colour before turning completely grey. His eyes and mouth were circled by wrinkles, and his hands testified his age even more than any other part of his body.

?What made you think I would have invested into this project, Mr Clayton?? he asked. ?We have our suppliers, and we won't change for the moment. We're happy with them.?

?I know this, Mr Woods. Of course, your suppliers are all the best, providing the fabric of the best quality. Yet, I thought you might want to try another route. You aren't interested??

?Not at all.?

He leaned back and crossed his arms, looking at the man without any hint of his real feelings. He just watched him without making him realise.

Lara's father had appeared a couple of days after her mother had tried calling her on the phone, the day after their first public date. Such a coincidence, right?

He could tell they saw them together on some gossip magazine or, maybe, even on TV.

?What a pity,? the man sighed. ?It was worth a try, though. I hope you don't mind.?

Nate shook his head, getting up to open the door. At least, Mr Clayton knew when to stop. He didn't pursue any further something he had no hope to obtain, sparing them both a furious CEO and a difficult situation to handle.

It would have been harder to hide their visit to Lara if they were louder.

He had moved into a meeting room on a lower floor, all to avoid her.historical

?Maybe next time we'll be luckier,? the man said while crossing the door. He was ready to leave when the woman who accompanied him appeared out of nowhere and looked at her husband before snorting.

?You declined, Mr Woods. Am I wrong, perhaps?? she said.

Unfortunately, Mrs Clayton's talent to read the situation wasn't as developed as her husband's.

?That's correct, madame.?

?I believe we can find an agreement, though,? she said, smiling lightly and getting closer to Nate. Her perfume hit his nose, and he frowned while taking a step back. Was that really Lara's mother? How was it possible? His woman was so elegant and reserved... How could someone as intruding as Mrs Clayton raise such a daughter?

?I already talked about it with Mr Clayton,? he explained. ?My decision is final, at least for this moment.?

?Fine,? Mr Clayton said, trying to grab his wife and drag her away. He could tell she was going to cause a scene. ?It was a pleasure to talk with you, Mr Woods. See you in the future, hopefully in front of a fresh contract to sign.?

?Yeah,? Nate said.

He moved a step away when the woman's voice stopped him once more. Was he going to get back his peace and quiet ever again?

?But you should consider all aspects, Mr Woods,? she said. ?It's not just about quality and price. There are many other things when business is involved. For example, the links among people...?

He lifted his chin slowly, trying to hint to her that she was getting in trouble. Yet, there was no way to convey that message, for the woman was too focused on her own words to notice.

?Are you saying LY Corp needs the help of your company to develop its links? Do I have no friends and collaborators already? Am I an antisocial person??

?Oh, that's not what I mean,? she laughed. ?You're perfectly fine. Just, one more link is always useful, isn't it??

?Depends. But isn't this something I should judge, Mrs Clayton? I have considered all aspects, and I see that your company does have perspectives. But it's still not developed enough to bring us any advantage.?

?It would have the advantage of working with people close to being your family!? she exclaimed, revealing her thoughts so transparently.

He chuckled, pretending to be amused. He was, in part. But by her brainless strategy rather than her sudden words.

What made them think they stood a chance to win a contract by mentioning Lara? After what they did to her, they could consider themselves lucky if he didn't send the company to ruin.

?I'm not sure I understand you,? he said, in fact. ?My family and the people close to me already are somehow related to the company. How signing this contract would change any of that??

?You're dating our daughter,? the woman pointed out. The man's complexion turned pale, and he lost a decade of life with his wife's recklessness. Still, he kept silent.

?Am I? Since when??

?I can't know since when, but you two went public a few days ago. Isn't it time to get to know her family already??

?Oh, but my current girlfriend has no family. How odd, I'm sure you're misunderstanding something. Are you certain you are following the newest gossip??

?Newest?? Mrs Clayton scoffed. ?You were single for a lifetime, Mr Woods, and you appeared in front of the press with that girl hanging on your arm. It's a clear enough signal, isn't it??

?That girl?? he mumbled, conscious of the situation. Lara's mother didn't like her. It was so strong that she couldn't say her name out loud.

If that was her family, it had been better for Lara to stay away from them. Even just a short meeting, which could happen in the company by chance, was out of the question. She had to stay far from them, for they wouldn't hesitate before hurting her. Again.

?You're dating her, but you don't know her parents! Is this how people act nowadays?? she continued, unaware of Nate's true thoughts.