Chapter 276 Changing Rooms
The next day, Aurelia and Patrick met up at a well-known restaurant in Imperick.
Aurelia knew dealing with the Thompson Enterprises mess was no walk in the park, and Patrick was only tagging along because of his tight bond with Joe. She had to show some serious hospitality and make sure to thank him properly.
To dodge traffic, she left an hour early, and her car was already parked outside the villa.
A sanitation worker was cleaning up, and there were cigarette butts scattered all over the ground under the sycamore tree.
She paused for a moment before getting into the car.
Aurelia thought she was early enough, but Patrick had already beaten her to it.
"Patrick, sorry I'm late," she said.
Patrick was all dressed up today, with his hair slicked back neatly. This gave off this total social elite vibe, making him seem way more reliable than yesterday.
Of course, Aurelia never doubted his skills. Anyone Joe recommended had to be solid.
Patrick smiled slightly and checked his watch, saying, "You're not late. I just got here early."
Aurelia had already booked a private room, and they followed the waiter straight there.
Once inside, Aurelia pushed a stack of documents towards Patrick, saying, "Patrick, these are the materials I've gathered about Thompson Enterprises. I currently hold 51% of the shares, which makes me the biggest shareholder."
Patrick took the documents, skimmed through them briefly, then closed them and set them aside, sipping his tea slowly. "Aurelia, there's no rush," he said.
He seemed pretty laid-back, but in reality, he never went into anything unprepared. He had stayed up all night reviewing the materials Aurelia provided and had even dug up more detailed information. He had also researched the backgrounds of the partners working with Norman.
Everyone around Joe was talented, and Patrick, being Joe's top assistant, definitely had the skills and a sharp mind.
Patrick was here mainly to have a meal with her alone.
Aurelia didn't know this; she was super anxious since the handover was coming up. Yesterday, Ulysses shared a lot about the internal situation at Thompson Enterprises. As of yesterday, more than half of the shareholders had sided with Chelsea.
Everyone knew Chelsea was Norman's daughter, so it made sense for her to inherit the family business.
"Patrick, don't you need to take a look?"
As she spoke, the waiter brought the dishes to the table and poured them each a glass of red wine.
Patrick pushed the foie gras closer to Aurelia, saying, "Aurelia, try this red wine foie gras first."
Aurelia had no appetite and was anxious about the upcoming tasks. Even though she held a majority of the shares, the other shareholders were all shrewd and tough to deal with.
"Patrick," she said, looking worried.
Patrick chuckled lightly and said, "Aurelia, don't you trust me? Do you want to reclaim the company and deal a major blow to Chelsea? Experiencing failure at the brink of success can be surprising, but tasting defeat at the verge of victory is something not everyone can handle, especially when such significant interests are at stake."
Aurelia got what Patrick was saying. It was definitely possible to let Chelsea enjoy a few days of thinking she had taken control of Norman's company and then oust her.
Patrick's idea matched hers, but shouldn't he still look at the materials?
She was puzzled, but Patrick had already started talking about Norman's company.
Patrick said, "Thompson Enterprises, which makes auto parts, works with Eden Industries. I've already set up a meeting with their boss at Oakmont Manor in West City tomorrow. If you're up for it, you can join."
Aurelia was floored. She hadn't expected Patrick to have already gotten into the enemy's camp and set up meetings with Norman's partners.
Alright, she could chill and enjoy the meal.
Patrick was a social wizard, and there was never an awkward moment. He kept things light and fun.
Even Aurelia, who was usually hard to amuse, found herself laughing a few times.
Halfway through the meal, the restaurant Manager Davenport knocked and came in with an apologetic look.
"Ms. Semona, I'm really sorry. A lady wants to switch private rooms with you. Would that be possible?" Manager Davenport, knowing he was in a tough spot, quickly added, "We can offer you a 50% discount on this meal and an extra bottle of wine."
Aurelia glanced at Patrick and then turned to the manager. " I'm Sorry. I booked the best private room here to entertain an important guest. I can't accept."
"Sorry to disturb your meal," he said.
Manager Davenport apologized and left, closing the door behind him.
Patrick laughed heartily, saying, "So, I'm an important guest to you?"
Aurelia blushed. She saw Patrick as a benefactor, bringing him all the way to Imperick to help her. Of course, he was an important guest. Nothing wrong with saying that, right?
Aurelia said, "Patrick, I'm sorry for the hassle this time. Next time, let me know what you want to eat, and I'll book another restaurant."
Patrick smiled and said, "I think my cooking is better. I wonder if you can cook. We could buy ingredients and cook at home. How about using your brother's kitchen next time?"
Before Aurelia could respond, the private room door was knocked on again. It was the same manager.
"Ms. Semona, I'm really sorry to disturb you and your friend again. Could you please switch private rooms? We could waive the bill for you. Please!" Manager Davenport, with his hands clasped together, was practically begging.
Being disturbed twice, Aurelia's face showed displeasure. She had booked this private room in advance and was dining with a friend. Being repeatedly asked to switch rooms was truly annoying.
"Sir, is this private room not open to the public or something? When I booked it, you didn't tell me it couldn't be used. Now, while I'm entertaining my friend, you keep making such unreasonable requests. Do you think I can't afford this meal?" she said.
Aurelia had ordered a lot, choosing the most expensive items to entertain Patrick. The wine was also the priciest. In such a high-end restaurant, this meal would cost at least five figures.
For the manager to offer a free meal, the person requesting the room must be someone significant.
Aurelia had been mingling in the Imperick socialite circle for four years and was used to seeing these managers' attitudes, often bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
Manager Davenport, with a mournful face, knew the person behind him was not to be trifled with. If angered, they could shut down his restaurant. Weighing the options, he could only beg Ms. Semona to be magnanimous, even if it meant compensating with a few bottles of good wine.
Manager Davenport said, "Ms. Semona, you can say anything today. Could you please give up the private room?"
As the manager finished speaking, a female voice came from outside the door. "Is the private room ready? My mom's friend is arriving soon."
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