Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

The Woods family was watching Fiona like she'd just sprouted a second head.

“Come on now, we asked you to fill in the check amount, not make a wish!”

Fiona flashed a smile, “You're all so kind, it's a bit embarrassing, really. But about this check, it can only hold so much, you know?"

The Woods family sat there, baffled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Did she just say the check could only hold a certain amount? This was nine hundred million dollars we're talking about! Did she think it was nine bucks?

The atmosphere at the dinner table got a bit tense, but Fiona seemed amused.

"Ms. Fiona, you're quite the jokester," one of the Woods women chimed in, trying to lighten the mood with a laugh.

But Fiona wasn't playing along. She innocently asked, “Did you all come to negotiate without any real bargaining chips?"

That question left the Woods family speechless. Wasn't a check enough to show they were serious?

For a while, it was awkwardly quiet. Nobody was talking or even suggesting a way forward.

Fiona glanced at her watch. It was 10 PM already, and she had an early class in the morning. She didn't want to waste more time.

"If you're not serious, then let's call it a night," Fiona said, raising her glass to toast them.

"Hold on, Ms. Fiona," one of the women from the Woods family called out.

She seemed to be the one in charge, and when she spoke, everyone else calmed down a bit.

"Ms. Fiona, where did we come up short on sincerity? If there's something specific you're looking for, just let us know. You're busy, I get it, but since we're all here, let's clear things up."

Now that's more like it-straight to the point.

Fiona set her glass down and looked at the Woods woman. "The Bryant family next door offered me an 8% stake. Do you think your offer shows enough sincerity?"

Everyone's face dropped. They hadn't expected the Bryants to go that far.

Fiona was in a tricky spot. Nine hundred million was a lot, but it was obvious the Woods weren't really going to fork over that much. Their offer just didn't stack up against the Bryant family's.

Seeing Fiona Stay quiet made the Woods members a bit nervous. They'd done their homework and knew about the Bryant offer. They could match the Bryants' 3% stake, which is why they'd brought the check in the first place. noveldrama

“Ms. Fiona, what do you think our sincerity should be worth?"

Fiona calmly held up five fingers, indicating 5% of the shares.

The Woods family got the message, but it was a hefty ask.

"Ms. Fiona, you know the Woods family's 5% stake is worth more than the Bryant family's 8%, right?" Fiona nodded, smiling, “Of course, I know."

So, she planned to give the Woods family more design drafts and extend the design time without any conditions.

"I have a five-year deal with the Bryants. For those five years, I'll give them exclusive design drafts, and

them each one's a masterpiece." Fiona paused, then added, "Ioan offer the Woods family a seven-year contract, two years more than the Bryants. I'm sure you realize those extra two years will bring in way more profits than the first five."

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