Chapter 373: Indirect Kiss (5)

Chapter 373: Chapter 373: Indirect Kiss (5)

"I’m here to collect a thank-you gift. Half a month ago, I personally drove you home, and you said you would thank me. I’ve been waiting for your gift ever since!" Martin Quinn glanced at the glass of plain water set before him. ’This is the first time I’ve ever gotten this kind of treatment. Serving me plain water... This girl really is something else!’

A thank-you gift? The corner of Nadia Chapman’s mouth twitched. The great Mr. Quinn was actually here to collect a thank-you gift from her? ’This is so bizarre! I’ve been swamped for the past two weeks; how was I supposed to remember that? Besides, I never took it seriously! He just said it offhandedly, so I figured he was joking. Who knew he’d actually show up at my door to demand a gift!’

"Judging by your shocked expression, it seems you haven’t prepared a gift at all, putting all your attention on making money! In that case, I must remind you: integrity is the most important thing for a businessperson. You won’t get far in the business world without it." Martin Quinn’s expression remained unchanged, showing no anger at the fact that Nadia Chapman hadn’t prepared a gift. But his slow, deliberate tone... ’Why does it sound so unsettling? And why does that "reminder" sound so much like a threat?’

Nadia Chapman gave a slight smile. "You’re too kind, Mr. Quinn. You went out of your way to see me home that day; how could I not show my gratitude? Even if you hadn’t come today, I was planning on visiting you myself!"

"Oh? Is that so!" A hint of a smile hid in Martin Quinn’s deep eyes. "Then I wonder where Miss Chapman’s thank-you gift is? Since I’m already here, it’ll save you the trip!"

That fleeting smile didn’t escape Nadia Chapman’s eyes, but she didn’t have the luxury of pondering its meaning right now. She pulled out an agreement—one that, upon closer inspection, was remarkably similar to the one Leo Fenton had just taken! "I just opened an investment and wealth management firm, didn’t I? I can waive the commission on your first capital injection, Mr. Quinn. That’s a sincere enough thank-you gift, wouldn’t you say?"

Martin Quinn was speechless. After a moment of stunned silence, he burst out laughing—not his usual faint, feigned smile, but a genuine, heartfelt laugh. ’This is the first time I’ve ever met a girl like her.’ He knew she hadn’t prepared a gift; he’d only remembered the promise himself when he happened to see her while inspecting one of his properties. How could she remember something even he had forgotten?

’But she’s clever. As soon as I stated my purpose, she came up with a solution on the spot. Waiving the commission? Only she would think of that. To get my "thank-you gift," I have to put up a chunk of my own money, with no guarantee of whether it’ll be a profit or a loss! She actually has the gall to try and get one over on me. This girl’s audacity is really something else!’

"I can’t say if it’s ’sincere,’ but I do know that you’re a natural-born businesswoman, Miss Chapman. You never let a single opportunity go to waste! You’ve really opened my eyes. No wonder you’re so successful!"

Nadia Chapman’s cheeks grew warm, but she didn’t retract her offer. ’He’s the one who had the gall to demand a thank-you in the first place! Driving me home was a simple courtesy, but he twisted it into some grand favor that required repayment! He forced me into offering this "gift." If he doesn’t invest, then he’s the one turning it down. It’s not that I didn’t prepare a gift—it’s that he’s choosing not to accept it!’

’If he invests, it’ll boost the company’s performance metrics. It means one more client, an injection of capital, and more options for Seraphina Sterling to work with! Either way, no matter what Martin Quinn chooses, I can’t lose!’ she thought, then said aloud, "But please don’t feel pressured, Mr. Quinn. If you think my company is too new, too inexperienced, and lacks a solid foundation, you can always just watch from the sidelines for now. There’s no need to make a decision right away!"