Chapter 55_ Al- Hakim

The next day as Arya arrived at the work branch in Italy, she saw Lewis scolding Victoria as the tension rose between the two managers. “Victoria, Why can't I find the drawings I told you to prepare?” Lewis asked, glaring daggers at her.

"Drawings? Oh, yes, I…I’m sorry, I forgot.” Victoria said, lowering her head in shame.

"You forgot? What the hell are we supposed to show to the client? A graph of your stupidity?” Lewis retorted harshly.

"I will get to it immediately. Just give me fifteen minutes." Victoria said, and Lewis scoffed.

“Always at the last moment. They were supposed to be ready yesterday.” Lewis remarked, and Arya who had been watching them sighed as she approached them with the intent of breaking the tension without getting too deep into their business.

“Lewis, Victoria, two of my favorite people.” Arya said with a smile adorning her face, putting one hand on Lewis's shoulder and the other one on Victoria’s shoulder as she continued, “You know what? I'm really having a blast working with you. It's true that Italy is the best place to be in the world.”

"Well…Of course it is. It's the country with the most beautiful women and the most attractive men.” Lewis commented, and for a moment, the tension seemed to vanish, at least until Victoria looked at Lewis.

“Lewis?” She called out, and when he raised his brows at her, she said, "It won't happen again, I promise."

“Yeah, sure. I know your promises — few words and even fewer facts.” Lewis said, and walked away, still steaming with rage, leaving Arya alone with Victoria.

“You shouldn't really let him treat you like that. It isn't just unprofessional, it's plain wrong.” Arya advised as she looked at Victoria. She seemed to be the soft and weak one among the managers.

"Oh, it was nothing." Victoria waved her off, making Arya frown at her reaction.

“It didn't look like nothing to me. I can talk to Marco and get some disciplinary action in motion to remind him what professional conduct is and —-”

Victoria didn't let Arya finish her words, and cut her off, “You don't get it, do you? Lewis is a great guy. All of that was just because last year I —-” She freezes over like she suddenly realized she had said too much.

“What happened a year ago?" Arya asked curiously.

"Nothing. Please, can we forget about the whole scene? Just try not to jump to hasty conclusions just because you're an outsider. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some drawings to print.” Victoria said, and left the hall leaving Arya alone with her thoughts.

‘I don't know what happened between Victoria and Lewis last year, but their relationship is definitely more complicated than it seems.’

Marco’s arrival pulled Arya from her thoughts, “Arya, can I talk with you in my office?”

"Sure.”

Once they were in his office, Marco closed the door behind him and sat on the couch as he looked concerned and said, "I just got a text from Mr. Maranello. He wants to have an emergency call right now.”

Arya nodded at him, "Okay.”

Marco turned on the video conference monitor, and Franko appeared, sitting at his desk in his office.

“Marco, Arya, Good morning. I would have liked to call in different circumstances, but, unfortunately, this is not going to be an easy call.” Franko said, and Arya mused silently, ‘What’s going on?’

"Tomorrow you are going to receive a visit from Mr. Al- Hakim, the front man of the sultan of Brunei. The Sultan is looking for a new personal purchase, but this is not just about the car. If this deal goes well, we can open a whole new level of business with the sultan, expanding the Maranello enterprises more. Have I made myself clear?” Franko said, his tone serious as he looked from Arya to Marco through the screen.

“We will make the sale, sir. Don't worry about it.” Arya said, and Franko shook his head.

"I like your optimism, but don't be too cocky. We have a direct competitor, the Nicholas group of companies and they will do anything to get this sale.” Franko said,

"I am sure we will be able to stop them, sir." Marco chimed in.

“I really hope so. If this deal goes in the right direction, the future for you two will be written in the stars. But if it goes south, I will have to find the talent I need to grow this company somewhere else. Understood?”

“Yes, sir." Arya and Marco said at the same time.

“Get to work then." Franko said as the call ended and the screen turned black. Arya and Marco looked at each other.

“The next meeting will shape the rest of our career, Marco. Is everything ready? Arya asked, as Franko's words rang in her head.

“Almost. We are busy finalizing the documents. At least, we have plenty of time to prepare.” As he said that, his phone rang, and he raised a brow as he picked the call.

“Hello? Sure, of course. What? No, no problem at all.” Marco said, and once the call ended, he slammed his fist on the desk and muttered, “We are fucked."

"What's wrong?”

"It was Mr. Al- Hakim assistant who called me. He said Mr. Al- Hakim will be here in ten minutes.” Marco said, and Arya widened her eyes.

"All right, there's no point in panicking. We will have to do what we can with what we have.” Arya said, and Marco shook his head at her.

"But we have nothing yet.” He said.

"I wouldn't say that. We have our knowledge and our charm. If the Sultan sends this man, he’s probably into cars as well.” Arya said, and Marco took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair multiple times and then turned to Arya.

“All right. We can pull this off but it will be just you and me.” He said, and Arya tilted her head to the side.

"And what about the rest of the management?" She asked,

"Without any preparation? No way! I don't want to see Lewis cave under stress and do something stupid. You, and me, Arya.” He said, and Arya nodded at him.

Ten minutes later, Arya was showing the facility to Al- Hakim together with Marco.
“Thank you for receiving me at such notice. I had to change my plans, but I really wanted to visit the place where Maranello's works of art are created.” Al- Hakim said, and Marco offered a polite smile to him.

“No inconvenience at all, Mr. Al- Hakim. It's a pleasure to have you with us.” Marco responded as they showed him around and put together a short preview of the car using the drawings freshly printed by Victoria.

“A very retro-looking design. I like it.” Al- Hakim remarked,

"We have been working on putting together the best possible fusion of vintage style and modern technology.” Arya commented.

"A modern approach to the classics is something very interesting. Why don't we continue this conversation over dinner? I would be more delighted to know more about your design solutions.” Al- Hakim offered, and Arya's thought raced, ‘Over dinner? But I have got plans with Kane for tonight. This is our shot to make the sale, I have no choice.’

“Of course. Mr. Al- Hakim, it would be a pleasure to discuss this over dinner.” Arya said, and Marco who was behind Al- Hakim grinned, and gave her a thumbs up.

“Thank you. I will send a car to pick you up at 8 pm.” Al- Hakim said as he gave a little bow, and left with a smile.

“Well done, Arya. Now it's all in your hands.” Marco said, and Arya flashed him a smile.

"I will do my best.” Arya responded, biting her lips as she thought of what she will tell Kane for canceling their dinner date tonight.