he partnership talks went off without a hitch. After Marina signed on behalf of Elnora, the partner showed her around so she could get a look at the scale of their operations.
Once everything was settled, Marina headed out with the team. As they walked out of the building, they saw Daron’s car still parked out front, waiting for them.
The driver saw Marina and opened the door with a respectful smile. As Marina bent down to get in, Daron was on the phone, looking rather serious.
From Daron’s expression, Marina could tell that something was probably wrong at Zamora Group. She sat quietly next to Daron, just waiting for him to finish his call.
When Daron hung up, he turned to look at Marina. The stern look he’d had while on the phone was gone; now he just looked calm and collected. “All settled?” he asked.
Marina nodded. “Elnora already sorted out all the important details. If I still manage to mess this up, I might as well pack and leave the industry.”
Daron smiled calmly, took the briefcase from her, and set it aside. “Nice work. So, where are we heading next?”
Marina glanced at Daron’s calm face, hesitated for a moment, then spoke up, “Let’s head back to Vrufield.”
Daron raised an eyebrow. “Just a contract and we’re heading back already?”
Marina nodded. “Yeah, that’s it. I’ll go back with you, and as for the others, let them enjoy themselves here for a couple more days.”
The trip was originally planned for three days. But Marina was worried that if she kept Daron away for too long, he wouldn’t be able to handle things at Zamora Group as soon as possible.
After all, when it came to family feuds, everyone knew each other’s weak spots. Matthew would definitely have gone straight for Daron’s softest spot, and Marina didn’t want to hold Daron back.
Daron noticed how serious Marina looked and nodded. “Alright, we’ll head back right after lunch.”
Marina just nodded, then messaged her colleagues in the group chat, letting them know she was heading back to Vrufield. She also sent each of them 3,000 dollars as a bonus for all their effort.
She let them know they could stick around until the trip was over before heading back to work. After all, they were always busy, and this was a rare chance for them to get out and relax.
When the people in the back seats saw Marina’s transfer and her message, they couldn’t help but let out a chorus of excited cheers. Marina said they could stick around in Yorelia for two more days and just enjoy themselves however they liked.
The company had already paid for their round–trip flights to Vrufield, and now Marina had sent them cash too, honestly, it was no different from a company–sponsored getaway.
The group chat instantly blew up with excitement. Marina casually skimmed through the messages and shot back a reply [Feel free to do your own thing for lunch today.I
As soon as her message landed, someone replied right away. [We know, we know, Ms. Marina’s got a lunch date with Mr. Zamora!]
[Don’t worry, Ms. Marina, we’ll make ourselves scarce; no third wheels here!)
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Chapter 378
[Mr. Zamora and Ms. Marina are a match made in heaven…]
Marina saw all the compliments blowing up the chat and quickly put her phone away.
Daron looked over at Marina and said calmly. “The vibe at Finley Group is pretty laid–back.”
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Marina looked up at Daron, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she replied softly, “Compared to the CEO’s office, it’s a bit nore laid–back.
But every company has its own thing going on. Zamora Group is all about internal competition, while Finley Group is bu ighting for market share, so most of our battles are with outsiders. If the company does well, everyone wins.”
The Zamora Group had grown so large that competition among employees was intense. It meant that only the best could hrive there, and top–tier talent was needed just to keep up.
As a result, the atmosphere was nowhere near as relaxed as it was at the Finley Group. Moreover, these employees had stoc by the Finley Group through its hardest days, so their relationship with the company meant something different.
The Finley Group would never have shortchanged any employee who was loyal and committed. If it ever reached the sam heights as the Zamora Group, certain things would inevitably have shifted as well.
Marina didn’t think the two could even be compared.
Daron nodded, wrapped his arm around Marina, and shifted the conversation, his voice soft and warm. “So, where should ve go for our date?”
Marina looked up at Daron. “Got any recommendations, Mr. Zamora?”
After leaving the Finley family at seventeen, Marina hadn’t traveled abroad again. To be honest, being in a foreign country
lways made her feel a little nervous.
she couldn’t just set things up or book a table as she did back home. Daron was always flying around for business, and with Zamora Group’s connections in Yorelia, he knew his way around here way better than she did.
Let me see,” Daron said. He took out his phone and searched for a well–rated, elegant restaurant.
This was their first proper date. When Daron led Marina into the restaurant, she suddenly realized it was a romantic spot ust for couples. There were couples everywhere, all enjoying their meals together.
The manager came over and greeted Daron in the local language, his words flowing smoothly. He held a camera in his hands, flashing a friendly smile at Marina and Daron.
Listening to their conversation, Marina got the general idea of what was happening. Marina glanced at Daron and asked. ‘Is he trying to take a photo of us?”
Daron nodded. “Want to take a picture?”
Marina looked at Daron and threw the question right back at him. “Should we go for it?”
Daron gave a wry smile. “Why not? Go ahead, take it.”
Marina snuggled up next to Daron and, with her awkward Yorelia accent, tried to talk to the manager.
Daron watched Marina, his eyes twinkling with amusement, while the manager wasted no time and clicked the shutter
A few minutes later, the manager handed the printed photo to Marina and Daron Marina stared at the picture, a little stunned by the warmth in Daron’s eyes as he looked at her.
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Chapter 378
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Daron reached over, took the photo from her, and tucked it into the inside pocket of his suit. “Here comes the food. Let’s eat, gotta head to the airport soon,” Daron said.
Marina paused for a second, then asked, “Are we not leaving the photo here?”
Daron shook his head. “Not leaving it. I’m keeping it.”
Marina just said, “Oh,” her expression unchanged.
The waiter brought out the dishes one by one, and Marina took her time enjoying her meal. Before long, a waiter presented an elegantly wrapped bouquet of roses to Marina.
Surprise sparked in Marina’s eyes as she accepted the roses from the waiter, then looked up at Daron. “When did you arrange this?” Marina asked.
“Just now,” Daron said.
Marina raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering in her eyes. He’d been sitting right next to her the whole time; she couldn’t figure out when he’d even had the chance to order the flowers.
However, if someone truly wanted to make something happen, nothing could stand in their way.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
