Chapter 13_ Selma's Father

Arya promptly advanced, placing herself between Franko and Kane and physically separating the two. "Gentlemen, let us not succumb to belligerent emotions. I was the one who got pranked and fired, yet I should be the one seeking retribution. However, I possess the sagacity to understand that it would not serve any purpose. What is the point of all this if we do not learn from it and move forward?" Arya's words left the father and son stunned.

"Arya, please accept my sincerest apologies for my son's foolish prank and the way I treated you afterwards." Franko sincerely apologized.

"I can give my own apology, Dad. Thank you." Kane chimed in as he met Arya's gaze but looked away in the next second.

"Thank you, sir." Arya responded, acknowledging Franko's words with a nod.

"There are several things I wish to change. Firstly, you will receive a substantial pay raise...a genuine one this time. Additionally, I want to see how you handle an important client." Franko stated.

"Sir...while I am grateful for the opportunity, I do not wish to take advantage of the situation..." Arya paused, then continued with a hesitant tone.

"Please rest assured, this has nothing to do with what occurred between us. You have proven yourself capable and deserving of a larger role in the company. Your handling of my son only further solidified my belief." Franko clarified, prompting a polite smile from Arya.

"In that case...I am honored to accept, sir." replied Arya.

"Excellent. You will meet with the client tomorrow. Be prepared." Franko instructed.

"I will, sir." Arya confirmed. Just as Franko was about to exit the office, he stopped and turned back around.

"Ah, one more thing. I have no qualms with swimsuits, but for tomorrow, please wear something more appropriate." Franko recalled, causing a grin to appear on Arya's face.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll save the swimsuit for casual Friday." Arya playfully quipped, causing Franko to chuckle before finally departing the office.

Kane gazed at Arya in silence for a moment before wearily stating, "Alright, let me explain... I have never apologized to anyone before. It's just never been necessary, but today, I believe it is." He takes a step closer, extending his hands towards Arya. "I'm sorry, Arya."

Arya gave a nonchalant shrug before taking his hands for a handshake. Her smile was subtle as Kane placed his other hand on top of hers, gently stroking her fingers. She flinched at his touch, aware of the quickening beat of her heart. Kane, noticing her reaction, quickly released her hand and stepped back, attempting to appear nonchalant.

"So... are we okay now?" Kane inquired.

"Yeah, we're good." Arya replied.

"Oh, and by the way, you didn't really need to hack into anything. You could have just asked me to be honest with Franko. It would have saved us all a lot of trouble." Kane remarked.

"Sure, and for future reference, it would also be beneficial if you could stop acting like an idiotic jerk." Arya retorted, to which Kane nodded in agreement. They both returned to their desks and focused on their work, Kane intently staring at his computer without making any snide remarks towards Arya.

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The following day, Arya made her way to the meeting room where Franko was already seated, waiting for her. They were meeting with a potential client.

"Arya, right on time! You look like someone who's ready to secure a one million dollar deal." Franko nodded approvingly as he looked at Arya. She was wearing a navy blue, knee-length dress that flattered her figure. In one hand, she carried a black handbag, and in the other, a file. Her outfit was completed with a pair of pointed heels. Arya was comfortable walking in heels and enjoyed wearing them.

"Yes, sir. I'm more than prepared and extremely excited. I have all of the paperwork organized and the numbers have been double-checked. Everything is in order." Arya stated confidently.

"I have always had faith in you. I am confident that you will excel, but beware of that cunning fox, for he is a demanding customer." Franko commented.

‘Oh, wonderful... I have never been so anxious before.’ Arya silently pondered, and at that moment, the demanding customer entered as the door was pushed open. Arya widened her eyes in surprise at the client as she internally panicked, 'Goodness, it is Mr. Jackson, Selma's father. This is unbelievable! I am uncertain if this is a stroke of luck or a potential problem.'

"Arya, what a pleasant surprise." Mr. Jackson called out.

"Hello, Mr. Jackson. I was not expecting to see you." Arya politely greeted.

"You two are acquainted?" Franko asked, looking between Arya and Mr. Jackson.

Mr. Jackson nodded and replied, "Yes, Arya assisted me in handling my troublesome daughter... who speaks of you continuously, by the way."

"She is a delightful young lady. Please give her my regards." Arya responded nervously.

"I certainly will." Mr. Jackson agreed, while a deep frown appeared on Franko's face at Arya's extra work activities.

"How intriguing - I was unaware of your extensive range of hidden talents. We should discuss it further later." Franko commented, and Arya forced a smile at him.

"Very well... Let us put the pleasantries aside, I believe I came here to purchase some cars." Mr. Jackson stated, and Arya nodded in agreement.

"Certainly, why... I mean... We can sit down now and discuss the terms..." Arya spoke nervously, while Franko frowned in concern at her hesitation.

"So, Arya, do you want to show Mr. Jackson what you have or should I take care of it?" Franko inquired.

'Oh man, I cannot ruin all my hard work and preparation for some babysitting.' Arya thought as she cleared her throat, "Do not worry, Mr. Maranello, I am capable of handling this." She said, and placed the draft contract in front of Mr. Jackson to begin her sales pitch.

“Presenting our newest draft, showcasing the illustrious Maranello Elite model. A crowd-favorite, boasting top-tier accessories, this edition also commemorates our 20th year, adding a collectible aspect to the mix." Arya confidently spoke as Franko observed, nodding in approval from the sidelines.

"But how much did you factor in, Arya?" Mr. Jackson inquired with curiosity.

"Fear not, Mr. Jackson. The best is yet to come. With a ten percent discount on the overall purchase, coupled with the cutting-edge quality and the allure of our anniversary edition, you can easily mark up the cars by a whopping fifty percent and attract the likes of Arab sheikhs and Russian oligarchs, as if they were hotcakes. And, if you double the order, I'll throw in an additional five percent discount, saving you from having to order again next week." Arya comprehensively explained, her gaze hopeful as she looked up at Mr. Jackson.

"I must admit, you had me at 'collector's element.' Let's make it official with a contract for 100 cars and reap our profits." Mr. Jackson remarked, to which Arya beamed and made some adjustments on the spot. Franko and Mr. Jackson examined the revised contract and signed it.

‘Ahh, perhaps he won't fire me now that I've doubled the order and handled it like a true professional.’ Arya silently thought as she watched the two men sign their names.