Chapter 15: The Fateful Meeting

The next morning, Anna woke up early, a renewed determination burning in her heart. Louis had insisted on the importance of this meeting. He told her it wasn't just about talking, but about proving that she could fit into this ruthless world. A world where every gesture, every word carried immense weight. She knew that the trial ahead would mark a decisive turning point.

She dressed carefully, choosing a dark but elegant dress, symbolizing both rigor and subtlety. She knew appearance mattered, but beyond that, she had to project the image of someone capable of navigating the intricacies of power and influence. Fragility, hesitation, fear—all of that had to be erased from her features. She had to embody confidence.

Louis was waiting for her in his office, his expression impassive. He was engrossed in papers but looked up when Anna entered. A quick glance was enough for him to understand that what she was wearing was perfect for the occasion.

"Good," he said without preamble. "You're meeting a man of power today. His name is Charles Mercier. He has strong ties with us, but he likes to test those who want to work with him. He's a difficult man, capable of reading the slightest weakness. Pay attention to every word, every silence."

Anna nodded, a shiver of apprehension running through her. But she didn't let anything show, focused on the moment. "I understand."

"You'll meet him at the Verdan Hotel, an old address we use for important negotiations. Be ready for anything, but remember, the key here is patience. Don't be too eager, nor too distant. Find your balance," added Louis, his gaze stern.

"And if I make a mistake?" she asked, her voice almost inaudible, but her anxiety palpable.

Louis fixed her with a stare for a moment. "If you make a mistake, you'll learn. But I don't want to see you fall. Be ready to move forward, no matter what happens."

Anna then turned to leave the room. Before she crossed the threshold, she turned one last time to give him a look full of determination. "I'll do what it takes, Louis."

The Verdan Hotel was an imposing building, with discreet but powerful luxury, a true fortress of intentions and secrets. Upon arrival, Anna immediately felt the tension in the air. Every corner of this place seemed filled with mysteries. The people moving around spoke softly, and every smile hid unspoken intentions.

Charles Mercier was waiting for her in a private room at the back of the hotel. When Anna entered, she saw a tall man with a penetrating gaze. He was in his fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair carefully styled and a perfectly tailored suit that seemed made for him. He slowly stood up, his eyes scrutinizing Anna with sharp intensity.

"Welcome, Miss," he said in a deep voice, with a slight smile at the corner of his lips. "I suppose you're the person sent by Louis."

Anna approached him with measured steps. She responded calmly, "Yes, Mr. Mercier. He asked me to attend this meeting."

He extended his hand, and she shook it firmly, without hesitation. "Louis told me you have a particular interest in meeting new people. I'm honored to have the opportunity to talk with you."

"Everyone wants to please Louis, don't they?" he said, laughing softly. "But the real question, Miss, is: why are you here? What drives you to want to enter our world?"

Anna took a moment before answering. She knew every word mattered. "I seek to understand what makes this world turn. And I'm ready to learn from those who are its true masters."

Mercier observed her for a moment, narrowing his eyes as if assessing the truth of her words. Then he sat down and gestured for her to take a seat. "Ah, so you came here to learn. A young woman with intelligence, I hope. But remember, here, not everything that glitters is gold. You will see that what you think you know can be your worst enemy."

He paused, looking at her intensely. "Louis prepared you well for this meeting, I imagine?"

"He told me you were a man of principles and discernment," Anna answered calmly, betraying no nervousness. "And that he would be pleased to continue working with you."

Mercier burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Louis... He always likes to surround his business with mysteries. But you, Miss, aren't here to play this little game. You're here to take a place among us. A place that requires more than mere promises of loyalty."

Anna felt a shiver of anxiety pass through her, but she quickly pushed it aside. "I know I have nothing to offer except my work and my ability to learn. But I've learned that here, you must earn your place, and I am ready to do whatever it takes."

Mercier fixed her with a long look, as if weighing his words. He slowly stood up and walked over to a table where a glass of red wine rested. "So many people believe that loyalty and competence are enough. But here, Miss, it all depends on how you use what you have. Your appearance, your intelligence, your contacts... All of that can turn into a trap. You must be vigilant."

Anna looked at him, her eyes locked on his. "I understand."

"I doubt you fully understand, but the time will come when you'll be forced to. Perhaps one day, you'll realize that there is no true loyalty. There are only interests," he said in a heavy tone.

The conversation continued, alternating between polite exchanges and subtle implications. Anna listened carefully, analyzing every word, every movement. Every meeting in this world seemed like a delicate dance, a play of shadows and light. She was there to learn, but she also knew she was beginning to weave the first threads of her own survival in this world.

At the end of the meeting, Mercier stood up one last time. "Louis told me he's counting on you. But know this: in this world, trust is not given. It's taken." He extended his hand once more, this time more firmly.

Anna shook it with increased determination. "I'll prove to you that you've made the right choice."

She left the room, her mind racing. Mercier was right. In this world, loyalty was an illusion, and self-interest reigned supreme. But to survive, she had to accept it. And she would, in her own way. Because from that day on, there was no turning back.