Sanford acknowledged her with a nod and then offered Matthew a friendly smile, as if the tense exchange at the hospital had never urred.


    “Mr.


    rk, good to see you again.


    ”


    Matthew nodded and said, “Mr.


    Quimby, my wife and I wanted to invite you to dinner to thank you for taking her to the hospital that day.


    I’m sorry if I seemed rude.


    I misunderstood your actions.


    I hope you don’t hold it against me.


    ”


    Sanford met his gaze with a smile and replied, “Not at all.


    It was no trouble at all.


    Please, don’t worry about it.


    ”


    A waiter handed them the menu, and their conversation ended.


    After taking their order, the waiter left.


    Sanford smiled at Ste and said, “I wanted to chat more with you after theunch event, but you weren’t feeling well.


    I’m d we have the chance to talk today.


    Your design ideas really caught my attention.


    ”


    “Thank you.


    ” With a smile, Ste said humbly, “I have a question about brand design.


    I’ve always wanted to start my brand butck experience, so I want to ask you for advice.


    ”


    “Please go ahead,” Sanford said, raising his eyebrows.


    Ste was thrilled but kept her excitement in check as she exined to Sanford the issues she faced.


    Sanford patiently answered her questions.


    After their discussion, the dishes were served.


    Sanford casually said, “Mr.


    rk, I know you’re the design director at ssicLuxe.


    You must have some unique insights on this topic.


    Haven’t you ever discussed it with your wife?”


    Matthew gave him a curious look and asked, “How did you know about that?”


    His connection with ssicLuxe was a well-kept secret, known only to Ste and thepany’s senior leaders.


    Ste was also taken aback.


    Sanford, unfazed by Matthew’s question, replied vaguely, “There are no true secrets.


    I assumed you might use your position at ssicLuxe to assist your wife, but it seems I was mistaken.


    ”


    Ste rified for Matthew, “It’s not about him.


    I wanted to see what I could achieve on my own.


    ”


    She turned to Matthew with a smile.


    “Even as a couple, we don’t always have to rely on each other.


    Sometimes it’s important to handle things on our own.


    ”


    “You’re truly exceptional.


    I wasn’t mistaken about you.


    ” Sanford’s eyes sparkled with admiration when he heard what Ste said.


    “You’re absolutely right.


    With your talent, you’re destined for great things.


    ”


    Ste felt pleased by thepliment.


    “I believe that achieving sess through my own efforts will make it even more rewarding.


    ”


    Sanford continued, “Few people have your drive these days.


    I see potential for us to work together in the future.


    ”


    Ste replied, “Thank you for the kind words.


    I’ll give it my all.


    ”


    While the two of them were having a good conversation, Matthew’s brow furrowed.


    Even though Sanford’s words and actions seemed fine, his gut feeling told him that there was more to the story.


    Just before dinner ended Matthew asked abruptly, “Mr.


    Quimby, when did you join Sanz Group?”Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.