An order for food was placed with a nearby restaurant and several copies of the contract were brought in for everyone to look over. There was nothing in there that they hadn't already talked about several times, but Karl insisted they review everything one more time. They correct the sales price of the 15% stake Karl was purchasing to reflect his offer.
The food arrived and lunch began. Kate remained standing in the corner.
"I like you," Karl said to John after the contract talks were all finished and the contracts were signed, notarized, and stored away safely. "You remind me of myself. You know I was beginning to think there were no men left in business anymore. I've seen a lot of companies and they're all the same. Bragging about how they push to female empowerment, showing off all the female executives they have like anyone ever cared about that. I tell you it makes no sense. Tell me what you think about that, John."
John smiled. "I think women belong on their knees, not in a board room. The best thing they can do with their mouths is put it to work pleasing a man."
Three people gasped, but Karl laughed. Laura suppressed a smile. Kate bristled in the corner.
"Well. Now we know." Karl said with a smirk. He turned to the CEO. "Do you agree with him?"
He paused, but ultimately shook his head. "No, I can't agree with that. That's barbaric."
Karl nodded in understanding. "I thought as much. No matter. Our deal stands as we agreed but remember, there is always more goodwill to be had from me as we continue to do business together. You know what I expect. Next time I'm in town, I look forward to seeing some progress."
He stood up and buttoned his suit jacket closed. "Laura, give our new friend my card."
The woman produced a business card from a small pocket on the outside of her organizer and pressed it into John's hands, then she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a sweet, seductive kiss. It was a soft, affectionate sort of kiss that surprised John. As she broke off the kiss, she lingered millimeters from John's face, her beautiful brown eyes filling his vision.
Then she stood and followed Karl out of the conference room towards the elevators.
Everyone in the room turned to stare are John.
He just shrugged. "I stand by it."
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