Chapter 2: Meeting

"The offer is simple. Just let me take control of your company." Minato said. "Let me buy your company, and I promise you that your company will become extremely successful."

"So this is why you wanted to have a meeting with me?" Narumi asked, her eyes narrowing. Her voice was cool, but there was an underlying tone of irritation in her words.

"I know that you have worked so hard to become the first richest female CEO; that's why I'm making you such an offer." The blond man explained. "You can go and rest while I do your business."

"Daiki," Narumi said.

'Yes, ma'am." He responded and stood up.

"Please arrange something really hot for Minato to drink. Like coffee, tea, or some sort of beverage." She ordered.

Minato looked so confused because she had never done this before.

'The only likely answer is that she is interested in the offer,' he thought to himself.

"Narumi, I'm surprised that you're being so generous today." He said it with a smile. "I don't mind black coffee."

"I'm doing this because I think you are under the weather." She replied.

"I'm perfectly fine, but why do you think so?" he asked.

"Cause if you were fine, there's no way you would make such a stupid offer for me." She said it sharply. Her tone was cold, and there was anger there as well.

"Hey!" the blond protested, his eyes widening with surprise. He didn't expect her to say that to him.

"Why would I sell my company to you? Did I tell you that after getting to this height of success, I'm ready to quit?" She yelled before smirking at him.

"Don't tell me that you think that I would just give my company over like that." She chuckled humorlessly. "Do you even hear yourself?"

"Narumi, this is a good deal, really!" The blonde argued.  His voice was soft, so he could try to get through to her. "You can spend time with your mom and sister, get married..." he started, but was interrupted by Narumi.

"I'm a woman who can get any man I want, so don't bother about my marriage." She glared at him. "I know your plan. You think my company is a threat to yours, so you want to buy it so you can become richer and be able to eliminate my company."

"No, it's just..." the blonde trailed off. This was going worse than he expected. He tried to figure out how to handle the situation quickly.

"Daiki."   Narumi called him again. The tone of her voice had changed and was much calmer, but she still sounded pissed off.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Take my tablet and get me the latest Fortune 50 list once you do inform me." She ordered.  He nodded and did as he was told.

'I wonder what ma'am is going to do about Minato.' He thought to himself.

Daiki couldn't believe that he had come up with such an offer that was going to only benefit him. It looked like a good thing, but beneath the surface, the offer was actually just a ploy.

"Here is the list, ma'am." Daiki handed it to her.

"Please read what was written about jasmine spice." Narumi ordered.

Daiki started reading it aloud. "It was founded in 1989 and has been in operation for almost 30 years now. Its annual sales reached approximately $1 billion, and it was ranked number two in Japan. The CEO, who goes by the name Hinode Narumi, also known as Ice Queen CEO, has an impressive track record in running her company, and now she is the first female CEO to become a billionaire." He paused and sighed.

"That's all right?" Narumi asked.

"Yes, ma'am."   He nodded.

"Thank you."   She smiled, and Daiki could feel a blush creeping onto his cheeks.

"Tell me, what do you think about this offer?" Narumi asked.   Her gaze met Daiki's, and he swallowed. It felt weird looking directly into someone's eyes. Her beautiful blue eyes reminded him of the sea.

"I think you shouldn't agree because it's a ploy to gain control of your company." He said it bluntly before observing her reaction. She seemed surprised by his reply.

"And what makes you say that?" She demanded.

"Why is he interested in buying your company after hearing it is now worth 1 billion dollars?" Daiki asked.

"That's a lie!" Minato yelled. "I'm trying to help you become richer!"

"This is my family's business, and I have spent six years trying to take it to this level. Do you understand what it means to me?" Narumi asked. "I'm not someone you can manipulate easily. My decision is no," she snapped, her eyes glinting dangerously.

"What the hell?" Minato exclaimed.  He watched as she tapped the table with her red nails. His plan failed miserably.

"Didn't you understand what I said? I'm not interested in your offer." She stated it coldly. "Besides, even if I should ever consider that you are the last person that deserves to own my company,"

"How dare you, woman?" He shouted, standing up.

"Mind the way you talk to her, sir." Daiki warned him as he stood up.

"Oh, shut up!" Minato shot back. "Who's talking?"

"My personal assistant and you have no right to speak to my employees like that, Minato." Narumi spoke sharply. "Now leave, because the meeting is over."

"You will regret this!" Minato growled before stomping away from the conference room. Everyone that came with him accompanied him as well. When he passed by Daiki, he gave him a deadly glare.

As soon as Minato left the room, Narumi sighed. "I didn't expect that from you." she turned to Daiki, who was still standing.

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked.

"Oh no, you seemed like a bubbly guy. I thought you won't be smart, but I was wrong." Narumi said.

"Oh, I'm glad that I did not disappoint you." Daiki said gratefully.

"Well, I'm impressed." Narumi admitted. "Come on, I have something to do."

"A meeting?" Daiki asked curiously.

"No, I have to see someone special."  She smiled before standing up. Daiki suddenly realized that she never stood up during the meeting, even when she was annoyed.

It was indeed amazing how she managed to keep her composure despite the whole ordeal.

Now I see why she is called the Ice Queen CEO. He thought to himself.