The Anchor

Chapter 20

After a long time of brooding silence, and waiting for the first person to lay a sentence, Ace sighed heavily. "In this situation, I should be the one to crack, because you're a client. I should have my respect."

Hunter nodded. "Yeah, now business."

"Always being serious, Hunter."

"Mr. Stark to you, Mr. Lewis. We're far from first name basis."

Ace nodded trying to contain his anger. "Business then." He gave Hunter the file in his hand. "You don't need a soothsayer to know that an architect company and a... carpenter company have lots, and loads to do together. They work hand in hand, just like how MyersCorp is now under your company. You design a building, Myers builds it, we design anything interior, and more, and more companies which I'm sure your company has under its palms."

Hunter looked at him dully. "Are you pitching?"

Ace nodded. "I sure am. I just wonder why your company should be above mine."

Hunter cocked his head at him with furrowed brows. "I'm assuming you're not okay with this deal."

Ace smirked. "It's my dad's business."

"Then do it right. You must have been here for another reason. You don't want to lose that deal."

"You know me too well, don't you?"

Hunter leaned on his chair. "Why don't you pitch again?"

Kara and Zoey entered the restaurant. "We deserve a celebration, and I'm happy you complied."

Kara looked around the restaurant. "Isn't here a bit too much for our pockets?"

Zoey rolled her eyes. "Come on, Kara. What do you use money for? Let's go. Your treat."

Kara groaned knowing it'll end up that way. "Of course."

Ace sighed wondering what more to say, and then he looked up and raised a brow. "What?"

Kara equally sighted him on the way to acquiring a seat. "Ace?"

Zoey looked around. "What? Where?" Then her eyes sighted him too, and they widened. "Oh my God!"

"Are you okay, Mr. Lewis?" Hunter asked, getting confused at his behavior.

Ace stood up from his seat, as he couldn't get his eyes off Kara.

"Is...is he coming here or what?" Zoey stuttered. "We can leave if you want." She told Kara.

Kara shook her head. "No, it's fine. He's not just an ex. He's a friend."

Zoey nodded. "Okay." She said unsurely.

Hunter followed where Ace's eyes were looking, and turned his head towards it. "A girl, ah?"

Kara walked closer to him. "Ace."

Ace chuckled nervously. "Kara. I didn't know I'll see you here."

Kara nodded. "Me either. Not that shocked though."

Zoey waved. "Hi." And looked around as if searching for something.

Ace nodded at her, and back at Kara, while Hunter just sighed.

"Are you in a meeting? Am I disturbing something?" Kara asked noticing things.

"Actually, yes," Hunter replied, and looked at her.

"Um, Kara, there isn't any vacancy seat here. Every seat is occupied." Zoey informed.

Kara equally looked around and noticed it.

"What are you guys here for?" Ace asked.

"Celebration. We were promoted at work." Zoey answered him.

Kara raised a brow at her. "You could have just said eat." She whispered enough for her to hear.

Zoey immediately lowered her head.

"I saw the newspaper. Your name is boldly written on it. That could have won you a Pulitzer." Ace commented.

Hunter furrowed his brows and looked at Kara. "Kara? Kara Rogers?"

Kara nodded at him. "Um, yeah."

His face went blank at the surprise. "Small city. I equally saw your handiwork. I was hoping we'll see."

Ace looked at him. "Be careful, Hunter. She's my girl."

Kara looked at him. "Past tense not noted, Ace."

Ace blinked, and looked back at her. "It could be present if you let me make it up to you. I know deep down you still feel something."

Kara sighed. "Still a child, Ace. Don't know when to give up a toy."

"You're not..."

"I know what I was to you, Ace. You were just playing me. I don't know how much you've realized your wrongs, but I'm done with you, and with what you doing, just hope I don't add the word 'dusted' to it." She said and walked out followed by Zoey.

Hunter tsked. "Give me her number, and I'll call this meeting a success."

Ace furrowed his brows at him. "What do you mean?"

"I want her number."

Ace sat down. "For what?"

"Just calm, Mr. Lewis. I just want to do business with her. Although I can't promise I won't steal her." Hunter told him, wanting to play with his feelings.

"Don't dare me, Mr. Stark."

"I just need her number. For business purposes. I'm pretty sure she blocked you, but it doesn't mean it won't work for me. Give me the number, and this meeting is done."

Ace nodded. "Of course."