Sophia and Sarah left for their meeting while Jenny also went back home to cook lunch for them leaving Henry, ALice and Aria alone in the ward.
There was a very weird awkward silence in the room between Henry and Alice while Aria quietly sat by the side, clearly enjoying the situation very much; excited to be the first one to get firsthand experience of their budding bond.
Though her original amusement soon turned into frustrastion as they didn't even speak a single word in the last half an hour, just stealing glances at each other, otherwise sitting quitely. Aria sighed but still decided to break this tricky ambience or else these two might even elongate it to who knows how long and she can't bear with it anyone.
"Ok my dear elder siblings, snap out of it. Are you both really going to waste the entire day sitting here dumply without speaking. Do you both really have nothing to say to each other or can't find where to start. Well you should be glad to have an understanding and outstanding little sister like me. You both start with studying together. It might help you bond." Aria sincerely adviced; having enough of their childish gestures.
Henry and Alice chuckled at her frustrated expression but still took the advice and soon got lost in their own little world filled with books.
Aria just sighed but still admired them from side before she made herself busy as well. Turning on the laptop, Aria's fimgers raced on the keyboard as new codes appeared and disappeared on the interface again and again working on her dream project which she had once visioned when her soul was locked in that mystical space but it was time to bring that to reality. Aria speed increased as she woeked on the project which in the near future will take the whole world by a shocking storm.
The ward fell into a pleasant and comfortable silence; three of them lost in their own worlds where the sound of Aria's fingers against the keys on board resonated with turning of the pages and occasional whispers between Henry and Alice.
While on one hand where the children were working hard for their future, the ladies also weren't left behind. Both were dressed up professionally as they entered the restaurant. Sophia wore a crisp white shirt tucked proper in light pink pants and a matching blazer over her arms; her phone pressed to her ears as she was busy talking to the party they were about to meet. fo Beside her, Sarah followed; wearing a green shirt and a black pencil skirt, carrying a stack of files in her hands; their stiletto heels clinking against the floor as they made their way towards Noah was already waiting for them.
"Everything ready brother Noah?" Sophia asked; her hands sweating as she tried her best to keep herself calm and composed.
"The preparations by my side are all done. What about you? Are you both ready?" Noah asked, worried and a little for them as he won't be accompanying them in the meeting. It was not like he could help much anyways; given that his piblic speaking are the worst in the group. He even feared his presence might even create troubles and therefore preferred to stay at the backfoot.
"Everything is prepared. Anyways the major negotiation will be the budget and we have already prepared it so it shouldn't be much of a problem. We are confident, they won't say no to our projects. Furthermore, they need us more than we need them. This will be their first huge project and they most likely will agree to all our conditions just to get the project under their belt." Sarah said confidently; her posture straight clearing showing her capabilities and skills that are shinning brightly at the moment.
Sophia and Noah also nodded in agreement. While they were busy discussiong, a group of people entered the restaurant following a young man. The group consisted of 6 people including the young man at the front; 2 young women and 4 man.
The young man stepped ahead, forwarding his hand to Sophia.
"Hello. My name is Kevin Millers, the chairman and CEO of Soaring build-up co-operation, and they are the top executives of our company, Lucas, Sylvia, Dylan, Diana and Max. " Kevin introduced himself along with his entire team.
"Hello. I am Sophia Wilson and they are my teammates Sarah Jones and Noah Abson." Sophia also introduced herself along with others as she took Kevin's hand in a firm but polite handshake.
"We should sit down first. Please." Sarah said; taking her role as a assistant professionally as she gestured towards the table. Everyone settled themselves down.
"Can you tell us in detail on the project you want to work along with us." Diana took the lead; her words straight forward and directly to the point.
"We want to reconstruct this restaurant into an elite and grand dine-in. We have the designs ready beforehand. Here, you can analyse them and give your feedback." Sophia said; Sarah passed the file to Sylvia.
Sylvia took the file and started to examine it in details. Gazing at the splendid and awe-inspiring designs, Sylvia was flabbergasted. Passing the file forward to others, their reactions were no different than Sylvia.
Especially Kevin; his brows raised in suprise. He was the main architect of their company and had designed various buildings but this was even beyond his capability. He really wanted to meet this architecture who designed that model.
"The designs are magnificent. As a architect myself, I can tell at a glance that whoever had designed this is definitely a professional expert with at least a decade of experience. Can you introduce this designer to us. We can even complete this project for free if you let us meet him or her only once." Kevin words left Sophia said Sarah completely astonished and dumbfounded.
They knew the designs were good but they never expected them to be so outstanding that they will be offered free service just for one meeting with Aria.
But then, Sophia's expression changed and a sense of fear and protectiveness came over her. While she was proud of Aria's capabilities but as a mother she also feared that people might even use her for their own benefits given how innocent she was.
What Sophia didn't know was that all her fears had already came true in Aria's previous life and her own father helped the outsiders to take advantage of Aria's innocence and used her for their own benefits and when didn't have any other use of her, he even planned to murder her.
"I am sorry but meeting the designer is impossible. Even if you refuse this project, I don't mind but meeting the designer is completely out of question." Sophia said; her stand firm and heart aloud to protect her daughter. Thankfully Ethan didn't mind it much and just thought it was unfortunate.
"It was just a request. If it is not possible then leave it. We are willing to take on this project. What is your time limit and budget." Dylan asked; his mind already calculating everything.
"We want this restaurant to be reconstructed and redesigned within three months at maximum. As for our budget، our offer is set on 1.5 million$." Sophia calmly but strongly said.
The other side fell silent as they exchanged glances between them. A few shaked their heads while the remaining nodded.
"The budget is fine but the time limit is a little difficult to achieve. Reconstructing the restaurant according to the design and redecorating it as well will take more time than that." Kevin said at last; his thoughts racing as he thought of possible solutions.
"How much time will it take according to you to actually finish all the work." Sarah asked.
"It actually depends on variable factors. What I can be sure of that it will take 5 months maximum and 4 months minimum if we put a little more effort but before that, it is impossible." Lucas said; giving a final time limit.
Sophia thought for a moment but later agreed. Sarah gave them the contract which was signed by both the parties.
"Congratulations Mr. Kevin." Sophia said, as they sealed the deal with a handshake.
"Let us give you a tour of the restaurant before having lunch. We have something else to discuss with you as well." Sarah suggested.
Kevin and his team nodded as Sophia gave them a tour of the entire restaurant before they settled down for their lunch. Noah joined them as well after serving all the dishes.
"You wanted to discuss something with us?" Diana reminded; taking a bite from her plate.
"Yes actually we have to other projects as well and want to collaborate on them with you." Sarah told them.
"Ohh! More projects. What are they?" Lucas asked; curious and excited about the projects.
It can't be forgotten that at the moment, they are just newbies in the industry with not many projects under their belt. Infact, this restaurant will actually be their first huge project so learning that there were more, they were no doubt very excited. For them, more projects means more reputation which wasn't easy to gain in any industry.