Chapter 21
I checked my outfit once more in the mirror, making sure I looked smart enough for my meeting with George Manning. Draco and Theo were already in their office having theirs that they were scheduled for tonight. I just had to sneak down to the restaurant and hope they wouldn't have any reason to go down there. I had on a black dress that went just above my knees and was relatively tight fitting showing just a respectable amount of cleavage. I paired it with my Louboutin red bottom heels they had bought me to ensure I looked the part of powerful business woman. I made my way out of the flat down to the restaurant to ensure everything was in order with the food. I needed everything to be perfect. I sat and waited at our table and kept my eyes on the doors waiting for him to come in. We were sat on the right side of the restaurant next to the window so we had a good view of the city. The bar was a few feet down from our table and I was sat facing it so Georges back would be to it when he sat. I knew what he looked like and I had already told our waiter so he could escort him to the table when he arrived.
Finally he came through the doors. He was slightly shorter than Theo a full head of hair that I imagine used to be brown but was now was starting to grey, though if anything it made him look more... attractive? If that's not too weird. He had on a navy blue suit that fit him well, he was still in relatively good shape. He was carrying a briefcase and as he approached closer I noticed the fine lines around his hazel eyes. He had a small amount of stubble too. I took a deep breathe and plastered on a big smile.
“Mr Manning, it's such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for meeting with me this evening” He approached me and shook my hand, his hands were rough and he had a really tight grip.
"Miss Granger, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for inviting me!” He put his brief case down next to his chair and stood looking out over the view of London. “I must say, this place is just incredible. When did it open?” I knew the answer to this one.
“Please, call me Hermione. It opened a few months ago and we’ve been fully booked ever since. Actually we are now up until February next year.” He looked impressed.
“Well then it must be good if business is booming like that. Especially within your first few weeks of being open, that's always a good sign.” I nodded and gestured to the table.
"Please, have a seat." He came around behind me tucking my chair in before taking his seat across from me. Gentlemanly. "Yes, well we both know I’m not the only successful one sat at this table Mr Manning. Your investments are known all over the country.” I said flashing my teeth in a big smile. I had to do a bit of flirting, and a little bit of ego boosting. Men. The waiter came and poured us a glass of wine each.
“Thank you my dear. It’s nice to know your potential client knows who they are going into business with. Though I must say I was surprised to receive your email. I wouldn't have thought a few young entrepreneurs like yourselves would even knew who I was. Are Mr Black and Mr Fenwick busy this evening?” He picked up his glass and took a sip his eyes not leaving mine.
"Yes, unfortunately they had another meeting to attend to, but they may be able to come down later on." I lied. I hoped they wouldn't come down later on. "And of course we know who you are Mr Manning" He laughed and put his wine down.
"Lets hope they can join us, but no bother if not. I have perfect company with you Hermione. And please, call me George dear." I nodded and sipped on my wine looking at him over the glass. That's a good sign. He kind of reminded me a little of Arthur Weasley. Nothing to do with his looks of course but he was intellectual and had a kind air about him. Caring, almost. The waiter came back over and announced what we were having for our starter and it was brought over. "Shall we get to discussing this proposal then?" I shook my head and smiled again.
“No talk of that, until after the main course. As I said in my email, I need you to taste what you will be getting yourself into.” I winked and he laughed beginning to eat. That would buy me some time to do some more flirting and ego boosting.
We spoke about his hobbies, how and when he started his business, about his most successful investments and how he could relate to us because he started off so young too. I smiled and nodded asked questions when I needed and laughed on cue. I didn’t really know what he was talking about half the time, but I faked it until I made it. I was relieved when he brought up the fishing trip he would be going on in the New Year, I could actually chime in with that as my Dad used to do a lot of fishing. We finished up the main course and the waiter cleared the table pouring another glass of wine.
“Well, I won't bore you any further with talk of my fishing adventures." I shook my head and drank more wine.
"Not at all George, I loved hearing about it." He bent down and picked up his brief case and began to rummage through it. As he did Theo and Draco walked into view with their other client making their way to the bar. Fuck. Please don't notice me. They all sat up on to bar stools and Theo looked around the restaurant and met my eyes. Busted. He looked to the back of Georges head and then back to me, face frowning. Draco was talking with the other guy they were with. Theo looked to Draco as the client was sipping on his drink and then moved his eyes to me, signalling Draco to look in my direction. No Theo whyyyy. Draco met my eyes and then same as Theo, moved his eyes to the back of Georges head. I wonder if they knew who he was? I hope they wouldn't think I'd be stupid enough to date another guy in their restaurant. The other man then started to talk with them both and they went back to pretending everything was fine. I had some more time yet.
"So my dear, please let me look over this proposal of yours.” I nodded and bent down to pick up the print I had made of the proposal that I kept on the floor. I handed it to him to read over, though when I printed it I didn’t change Alessandras name on the document. As he was reading I looked back over his shoulder to Theo and Draco who were both working together to keep an eye on me and keep up conversation with their client trying to make him none the wiser. George spoke then drawing my attention back to him.
“I’m sorry dear, but why is my daughter Alessandras name on this document? She’s not supposed to be drawing up contracts like this?”
“Oh really? Well I believe she had a meeting with my other two business partners earlier in the week. She didn’t tell you?” I asked voice high pretending to be shocked. He shook his head and frowned.
“No she didn't. Honestly that girl. You'd think she would start to actually listen to me, how am I supposed to trust her to run my business one day if she's doing things like this without my knowledge?" He was talking to himself I think, but he had to know about her meeting this Saturday, just to really get her in trouble.
"Well, to my understanding she has another meeting with us this Saturday. I emailed you directly as to ensure you knew what you were investing in and assumed she had discussed it with you already. I'm ever so sorry George, if I had known I never would have..." He held his hand up shaking his head and smiling apologetically.
"No my dear, I should be the one apologising. I thought she was ready to be able to do things on her own but that was my misjudgment, and it won't happen again. I just don't know how I am going to handle this." He looked down at the document again brow furrowed. Just where I wanted him.
"If I may make a suggestion?" He looked back up at me and nodded. "Come to the meeting on Saturday. You can come with Alessandra and we can just sort this whole mess out then?" He raised his eyebrows and then grinned.
"I think I just might do that. But, if it's okay with you dear, might I arrive slightly earlier than her scheduled time? As then I will be able to meet with the three of you together on my own to discuss this, and I think it will teach her a lesson as to not go behind my back again. She won't try anything like this again then." Perfect. I picked up my wine glass and he clinked it against mine.
"If that's what you would like to do George." Oh Alessandra, dear old Daddy is not happy with you. We drank our wine and I looked behind Georges head to see Theo and Draco saying goodbye to their client. Shit. My time was up. They turned from the door and walked over to our table fake smiles on their faces. I could see Dracos anger behind his eyes. Oopsie.
"Ah Mr Black, Mr Fenwick. Glad you could join us lads.” He stood up and shook their hands. They kept their professional smiles on, but they were not happy with me. “I’m sorry you were unable to make our meeting this evening, but me and your other business partner here have managed to have a wonderful chat.” They both looked to me at hearing 'other business partner' I know I was in trouble but it took everything in me not to laugh at their surprise.
“Yes. It was a shame we weren’t able to make it tonight. I trust you had a good time?” Draco said looking at me. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
"We did. I showed George the proposal and he has decided he will be joining us this Saturday to meet with us and Alessandra." I explained. Theo's eyebrows raised at my calling him George.
"I will indeed. I must say I am ever so sorry about her. It was totally unprofessional and I hope you know that is not the standard at which I hold my business to." I raised my eyebrow at Draco as he tried to keep a face of knowing what was going on.
"Not a problem at all, Mr Manning. We look forward to seeing you then. Are you staying for another drink?" Theo asked.
"No, thank you. I think I will be making my way home now. Brilliant food by the way. I can understand why it's been the talk of London for the past few weeks." He shook their hands again and turned to me kissing me on either cheek. "Hermione, dear this has been lovely. Thank you again for inviting me, and I look forward to seeing you again on Saturday."
"It's been great getting to know you George, and I also look forward to it. I'm glad I could clear some things up for you." I said smirking.
"As am I. See you Saturday." With that he picked up his brief case and left. I took a deep breathe almost bracing myself and Theo and Draco turned back to me.
"Hermione. If you would be so kind as to join us in our office. Now." Draco said with a hint of anger behind his voice. No room for argument. They turned and walked toward the elevator and I followed, neither of them saying a word until we were in the office. They both went in and I followed in behind them turning and closing the door. I stayed where I was and they were both leaning against the desk, arms crossed.
"Okay, before you say anything, I just want you to know that I didn't do anything that hurt you, your business, or your reputation." I said it quickly and a side of Theos mouth upturned into a small smile. Draco's face didn't change.
"Explain." Is all he said.
"Well, after the lovely meeting with Alessandra that you had, as she hugged me to say goodbye, she threatened me saying if I 'didn’t play nice' next time then she wouldn’t sign the deal.” Theo shook his head in disbelief.
“She threatened you?”
“Yes. And I knew she’d continue making you both jump through hoops in order to keep meeting with you, and as a plus just to wind me up, so I spoke with Harry and he wrote me saying Alessandra wasn’t actually allowed to be doing these sorts of business deals yet. It was against the law for her to be doing it and that would have affected you badly if it got out. So I saw my opportunity and contacted her Father. I found out information about his interests, and social background from Harry and I set up a meeting with George.”
“And you are now on a first name basis, with George Manning?” Theo asked. I nodded again.
"Yes I am. Anyway, I proposed we meet here and didn't mention Alessandra in the email. I said he should come and get a taste of what he was investing in, because apparently he likes good food. After we had finished eating he asked to look over the proposal which I had printed when I borrowed your laptop. I didn't change her name, so he asked why it was there. I pretended that I thought he knew, which he didn't, and he wasn't happy with her."
"So why does he still want to meet with us and her on Saturday?" Theo asked. Draco still stood leaning against the desk, arms crossed, not speaking, his face still stern.
"He wants to surprise Alessandra. Teach her a lesson not to go behind his back again. Which, I'm very much looking forward to." I smirked and Theo shook his head. "So that's it. He's interested in the proposal, so is likely to sign it on Saturday." Theo nodded and looked to Draco who was still staring at me. He finally spoke after a few more seconds of silence.
"I don't know how to feel right now. You lied to us, met up with a potential investor, who by the way is one of the toughest people in the business might I add." I raised my eyebrows at that. He seemed perfectly lovely. "You had no idea what you were talking about, or knew what you were doing, you risked both myself and Theo looking like idiots because we had no idea what he was talking about, and it could have gone a lot worse than it did. You risked a lot tonight, Hermione." I nodded and leaned back against the door looking down. "But." I looked back up. "You also saved a possible downfall of our reputation and may have finalised this deal." I took another deep breathe and crossed one ankle over the other. "So like I said, I really, don't know how to feel." I nodded in understanding.
"Mr Manning is expecting you there as our 'third business partner' on Saturday too, so you're going to need to be there and know exactly what you're talking about. We will help you of course but I'm not overly pleased at the position you have put us in here. This meeting has to go well." Theo said looking slightly worried.
"I can do that, Theo. I promise, it will go well." They both looked at each other and Draco sighed.
"In that case, I will wait until after Saturday, before deciding what on earth I am going to do with you." Draco said his face finally softening and putting a small smile on. He walked forward and brought me into a hug letting out another big sigh. "You're going to kill me, witch." I laughed a little and hugged him back tight.
"I would say sorry, but I'm going to save that until after Saturday. The meeting will go well, I promise. I just have to ensure I behave with stupid Alessandra"
"That's probably best sweetheart." Theo said kissing me on the head. "Now. We need to make sure you really do know what you're talking about on Saturday, as there's no room for mistakes. Tell us what you know and we'll fill in the gaps." We spent the rest of the evening talking about contracts, legal jargon, investments, money, and percentages. Luckily I had done a lot of reading for my meeting tonight so I knew a decent amount already. It got to about midnight when we finally decided to go to bed.
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"So we have a lot of work to do so will be out most the day, but I have arranged for your stuff to be moved here today okay?" Theo said fiddling with his tie.
"Thank you, I won't be able to unpack it straight away, I'm out with Anna today remember? Should only be an hour or two. I'll make sure it's out of the way for tomorrow though. I'll shove it all upstairs somewhere."
"I'll just email the movers and get them to do it. You won't have to lift a finger my love" Theo said kissing me on the head.
"What's the plan with selling my flat? I don't even know where to start with that sort of thing." I couldn't really be bothered to sell it either, such hassle.
"Draco's handling it. Like I said, you won't have to do a thing." I rolled my eyes and Draco shouted from downstairs for Theo to hurry up or they were going to be late. "Behave yourself while we're gone" He said with a wink turning to leave.
"Always do" He laughed and they both shouted they loved me up the stairs before leaving. I was meeting Anna at a local coffee shop this afternoon. I didn't have a phone so couldn't text her so I hoped I got the time right. I headed out early in order to buy myself a phone, it would probably come in handy. I pursued some book shops but didn't buy anything and finally made my way to meet Anna. I walked into the coffee shop looking around trying to spot her mousy brown hair.
"Hermione!" She stood waving her hand at me.
"Hey, congratulations on the engagement!" She hugged me and I grabbed her hand to look at the ring. It was timeless and pretty big. "Oh it's beautiful. Tell me how he did it, I want to know everything." She went on to explain that he had cooked a meal for them at their house and he did it after that. Simple, romantic, and just what she had wanted. She didn't like a lot of attention on her out in public. We had that in common among other things. She loved reading, was a big home body, not many friends but she liked it that way and she appreciated simple beauties in life. I could see us becoming good friends.
"Well this has been great. Charlie is working today, so I am headed back to an empty house." She said as we stood to leave.
"Well I have to go back and unpack my stuff so I'd be happy to switch with you."
"I'd offer to help but I don't know if that's weird? I mean it's technically my bosses house..." She trailed off thinking about the logistics. I laughed and told her not to worry. "Well I better get going. Thank you, for today. It's been really great to get to know you more. I'll see you at the engagement party next week?"
"Oh yes, absolutely. We'll all be there. Thanks again, for this, I had a great time." We went our separate ways and I walked home. I had big plans for the engagement party. I needed to talk to Theo, but if tomorrow goes well, which I guess it has to, then I won't be getting as much of a punishment as I had initially hoped for. I wanted to work with Theo to get Draco really riled up. I'm sure he'd be up for it. Plus we were out in public so there would be more rules to break. There was nothing I liked more than a challenge. I got back and set to unpacking as much as I could and set up my phone punching Annas number in she had written down for me. I heard them both come through the door and went downstairs. They both looked tired.
"Hey, your day go okay? Whats up?" I sat down and Theo came in, I heard Draco at the little bar glasses clanging.
"It's been a real tiring day. Just seemed like everything was going wrong. But that's nothing for you to worry about." Draco came back in with a drink and handed it to Theo then sat down with his. "Thanks love." I didn't like seeing them like this.
"Well if this helps, I unpacked all my stuff so we can actually get into the bedroom now." They both laughed and sipped on their drinks. "Oh, and I got a phone. Why don't you both just go to bed? I'll be up later. You need sleep for tomorrow and I still need to finish unpacking my books down here." They both eyed me at the mention of tomorrow's meeting. "I promise I will behave myself. I'm ready, I know what I'm talking about and I wouldn't do anything that directly affected either of you badly. You know I wouldn't." They seemed somewhat satisfied and finished their drinks heading upstairs. I really had to be on my best behavior tomorrow. Luckily her Father already likes me so it's not like she'd do much in front of him.. I hope.
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"Okay, run over it once more with me." Theo said as we sat waiting downstairs for George to show. I laughed and shook my head.
"Theo, you know I know what I'm doing. Come on, have a little faith in me would you." George was due to meet us around now. I was wearing a navy blue pencil skirt with a white shirt tucked in and my Louboutin heels again. "Ugh I hate office clothes. So uncomfortable." I complained pulling my skirt down trying to make it more comfortable. Theo and Draco looked me up and down smirking.
"That may be, but you do look so sexy in them." I bit my lip and walked closer to Theo.
"That's because I have no underwear on" I said winking. They both groaned and the doorbell went. "Ah, sorry boys, no time for that." I walked to the door and George was behind it smiling.
"Hermione dear you look just lovely. How are you?" He stepped in and kissed me on either cheek.
"Hello George, I'm very well, thank you so do you. Please come on in." I stepped aside and he walked through to Theo and Draco shaking their hands.
"So, as Hermione has probably caught you up, I intend to surprise Alessandra with my presence here today. Please don't worry, it will of course be kept professional, but I just want to ensure she knows she can't get anything past me." Theo and Draco chuckled.
"Of course Mr Manning, not a problem at all. Please come in to the office and have a seat." They all went in and I got a sparkling water for George remembering that was his preference to still. I walked into the office Draco and Theo sat behind the desk, George in front of it. I walked round handing him the drink and sat in the armchair next to him. He took the glass laughing.
"Thank you for remembering dear. Now, I have reviewed the proposal Hermione gave me a few days ago. Everything seems to be in order, but I see Alessandra had made multiple mistakes and took it upon myself to rectify those. I also made a couple of adjustments" He pulled out the reviewed proposal and handed it to me, I wasn't expecting him to do so but I took it anyway and read it over carefully. I smiled and looked to George.
"I see that the amount of investment pay has stayed the same but you have raised the percentage back. May I ask why that is?" Theo and Draco looked to George seemingly happy with my question.
"Well I loved the food and think this is going to be a very successful business, but you are all so young. How do I know you aren't one day going to get bored with this place? Get overwhelmed with the workload and let it slip? I need to be sure I will get my money back and make a profit." I nodded looking back down at the paper then back up to him.
"I understand your concerns, but in my experience, age doesn't necessarily reflect capability nor does it show less dedication. You told me yourself you first opened your business when you were just 18 years old." Theo grinned at my answer and George smiled.
"You're right, I did."
"And you also told me you needed someone to put their faith in you, as a young adult taking your first steps in this world, and when they did you made sure you would do them proud, yes?"
"Again, you are correct. It was the best feeling in the world to prove myself to all those people who thought I couldn't do it." He admitted.
"So, why not let us be that for you? We are not the type of people to back away from a challenge, and we most definitely, don't give up. It's not in our nature, trust me." Draco and Theo both smiled at me and George didn't take his eyes from mine. He stared a little while then sighed and took the paper back from me and crossed out his adjustment making it the original percentage.
"I hope you make me as proud as I did my first investor. I'm taking a leap of faith here Hermione and I do not do that often. Don't let me down." He smiled and winked at me handing me back the paper. I nodded and handed it to Theo and Draco to look over before they signed it.
"Well I must say lads, you have a good one in this young lady. She's a natural at this sort of thing that's for sure. I'm tempted to bring her over onto my team." They both laughed and George turned to me. "What do you think Hermione? Care to join me? You could show Alessandra a thing or two." I laughed and shook my head.
"Thank you George, I'm flattered. As much as I would love to show Alessandra the ropes, I think I'll stay where I am for the minute." He nodded and there was a knock at the door. Oh goody.
"I'll get that." Theo raised a brow at me and I smiled innocently back standing followed by Draco and Theo. George stayed in the office.
I opened the door and she was stood there with her fake overly white tooth smile looking just as lovely as she did the last visit, if not a little more skin showing eyeing me up and down. "Hermione babe so good to see you again." I scoffed and opened the door fully gesturing for her to come in and she walked past me to greet Theo and Draco. "Hello you two, I hope you didn't miss me too much from our meeting last week." She said with a high pitch giggle touching Theos arm. I rolled my eyes and they both smiled politely. "So shall we take off where we left off?" She said looking between them.
"And where might that be, Alessandra?" George came out of the office and stood in the doorway. She jumped turning toward him.
"Daddy, what are you doing..."
"What am I doing here? Oh well, Hermione was kind enough to invite me to the restaurant. We had a very eye opening discussion on Thursday evening." She turned to look at me and I gave her a wink.
"Yes we had such a lovely time Alessandra. Shame you couldn't make it, really." She gave me a look of pure hatred and turned back to George all doe-eyed.
"Daddy, she's lying to you. I didn't do anything I just..." Alessandra started but George raised his hand to signal her to stop talking.
"Alessandra, please don't make a scene. You know you weren't allowed to do anything of this size without my knowledge and I don't want to hear it. Hermione is a perfectly lovely girl and I won't have you insulting her integrity. Now, the contract has already been rewritten and signed and I will discuss this further with you tonight." He shook Draco and Theos hands and then he gave me a hug. "Well, I best be off. If you ever change your mind though, contact my office. The offer stands." I smiled and nodded.
"Thank you. And don't be a stranger George okay? I want to hear all about your fishing trip in the New Year." He smiled hugging me once more and I kept Alessandras gaze over his shoulder as he did. She didn't like that. He left and she stayed where she was staring at me.
"What offer is he speaking of?" She asked crossing her arms.
"Oh nothing too big, he just offered me a job beside you in order to help teach you a thing or two about negotiation." Her eyes widened and she was even more angry now. I stepped closer to her. "Don't worry, I declined. But threaten me again, or make any more advances on either Theo or Draco, and I'll be sure to take him up on that standing offer. And we both know, who will end up being Daddy's favourite." Theo brought his hand up to his mouth in shock. Alessandra stepped back a bit and cut her eyes toward me.
"Oh please, he just said that because he probably wants to sleep with you. Young sluts are his thing at the moment."
"Oh dear, Daddy issues are coming forward. It's okay Alessandra. You'll get your validation from a man one day, it just won't be from either of those two." I smirked and Draco had to stifle a laugh with that comment.
"My God you're so manipulative. You think you're special because he offered you a job after making one deal? You don't even know what you're doing." I stepped forward advancing on her once more.
"Lesson number one sweetheart, manipulation and negotiation are the only two things you need to make a deal. But you already knew that, didn't you?" I walked past her to stand next to Theo and Draco. "Don't ever threaten me again. Feel free to show yourself out." She stood a little longer staring at me then turned on her heel her hair flicking over her shoulder and walked out. I looked after her and shook my head. "Crazy bitch." I turned to Draco and Theo.
"Did I do okay? I didn't say or do anything wrong with Mr Manning did I?"
"Not at all. That was all you babe. We just sat there and you made the deal. And it wasn't because of the reasons Alessandra said either before your head goes there, she's just jealous." Theo said smiling. I smiled back and he kissed me on the head then looked down at me smirking. "We both know who will end up being Daddy's favourite? That was fucking golden sweetheart. You should have been in Slytherin. Lets hope no other girls make advances on us, you're a force to be reckoned with" I laughed and shook my head.
"I don't even know where that came from but it had the desired effect." I said shrugging. Draco shook his head and smoothed the back of his fingers on my cheek.
"You really are, the most amazing woman, Hermione Granger." I smiled and leaned into his touch. "And sorry, but if we're voting, the daddy issues and validation comment gets my vote. That was brutal. I think we may have rubbed off on you a little too much" I hummed wrapping my arms around his neck. He brought his hands to my waist.
"Not nearly enough I'd say"
"Maybe you should be our third business partner. The fact Mr Manning offered you a job proves you were great. You held it together in there. I'm thoroughly impressed."
"Is that a job proposition Mr Black?"
"I'll have to discuss it with my partner, but I think he's pretty fond of you too. I'm sure we can work something out" He said winking.
"I'm about to show you how fond I really am. It's been killing me not being able to rip that skirt off of you ever since you announced you had no underwear on. Better keep the heels on though, I'm going to take you in nothing, but those heels." I bit my lip and Theo picked me up and carried me upstairs over his shoulder.