Chapter 85


    No sooner had Micah finished speaking than his son slid up beside Matilda with an eagerness in his


    eyes that was hard to miss. He was clearly angling to make her acquaintance, hoping to curry favor as


    he poured her a ss of orange juice.


    Matilda managed a polite smile and murmured her thanks.


    After expressing her gratitude, she felt Micah’s son rest his hand on the back of hers. Micah caught the


    gesture and couldn’t help but sh a grin that was tinged with a bit of awkwardness, shooting his son a


    look that clearly said, “Cut it out.” But his son. seemed oblivious, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on


    Matilda’s face.


    Her smile stiffened as she gently but firmly withdrew her hand. Unfazed, the young man scooted his


    chair closer, encroaching on her personal space.


    Mason noticed and, with an effortless motion, drew Matilda toward him. As she found herself suddenly


    in the crook of his arm, her heart skipped a beat. She whispered a soft “thank you” in his direction.


    “I’m sorry about this.” Mason replied quietly. “I’ve never thought this could happen. Micah’s a stand–up


    guy, but I didn’t expect his son to act out like that.”


    He really did make his father look bad.


    Grateful for Mason’s intervention, Matilda noticed that Micah’s son, Troy, had toned down considerably,


    even quieting down during the meal.


    In the midst of a conversation with Micah, the man, embarrassed by his son’s impolite behavior, offered


    Matilda an additional share of the profits. Matilda tried to decline, but as Troy excused himself to the


    restroom, Micah hastily apologized on his son’s behalf.


    “My apologies. Ms. Thompson. I have a lot of respect for you and hope that my son’s antics won’t


    hinder our partnership.”


    “I understand where you’reing from, Micah. I’m not one to hold a grudge.” Matilda replied with a


    small smile. It was clear Micah was a good man, but perhaps. it was this very kindness that had spoiled


    his son, leading to the current situation.


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    Straightening her hair, Matilda raised her ss to Micah. “I’m not feeling up to alcohol tonight, so let’s


    toast with this orange juice. I’m definitely on board with the deal and, nope you can rest easy. And in


    the future, I hope you’ll consider me for other opportunities.”


    Chapter 85


    Feeling indebted because of his son’s rudeness, Micah eagerly agreed. The conversation flowed, and


    when the atmosphere at the table was just right, he had Troy bring over a contract for Matilda to sign.


    After Mason reviewed the contract and found nothing disadvantageous for Matilda. he gave her a nod


    of approval. Matilda inked her signature, and Micah, along with his son, toasted her in turn.


    Troy, perhaps chastened by his father’s stern looks, reluctantly poured Matilda another ss of orange


    juice and raised his ss.


    Mason’s smile was graceful as he stood, his arm protectively around Matilda’s waist to steady her. The


    four of them toasted, snapped a photo tomemorate the sessful negotiation, and sealed the


    deal.


    As they wrapped up, Micah shook Matilda’s hand. When it was Troy’s turn, he slyly grazed the palm of


    her hand with his forefinger, his grin implying more than words could say.


    Matilda felt a wave of goosebumps but was relieved when Micah and Troy finally left, with thetter


    ncing back every few steps as he headed to his car.


    Mason offered to fetch the car from the underground parking lot, asking Matilda to wait for him there.


    As she stood in the cool breeze of the early evening, the day’s events began to settle; Matilda tugged


    her coat, and a sudden heat washed over her.