Billionaire's Unlucky Wife

Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

Mid-morning breakfast with Mr. Laurent was actually a great way to put my mind off my marriage for two hours. Mr. Laurent was the owner of Evening Elegance, a now popular French based, Fashion house. Two years ago, it was only valued at five-hundred and sixty million dollars but after we snatched the company from its former marketing company, it shot up to ten billion worth and in six months’ time, it should be at fifteen billion in the least. Mr. Laurent was not only cooperative but he was very flexible with our rates and thus, a very important client. When he said he wanted to meet for casual breakfast at the famous French restaurant, Le Boudoir, I hadn’t thought twice before accepting. I firmly believed the success of a company was largely dependent on its relationship with its clients.

For almost two hours, Raymond and I had listened to Mr. Laurent go on and on about his favorite French dishes then switched the topic to his family.

“You know, I’ll tell you something. I love my family so much and well, my son hasn’t turned out disappointing like most rich kids I’ve seen on the internet. Nothing would make me happier than my son, Benoit, finally stepping into my shoes and pushing this business into more lines of success. He turned out to be like me. Very dedicated to his fiancée, a hard-worker and maintains the reputation of the family name at all costs. Not once has he drawn negative attention to himself,” The proud smile on his family tagged at my heart. If I was being honest, I was certainly not interested in knowing his family. My business was with his company and that was where I drew the line. We had too many clients to focus on knowing about the families and friends; unless they were part of the business.

“He sounds like a good son,” I complimented.

“Yes, he is. You will meet him next month when you fly to France for the meeting regarding our expansion,” He grinned infectiously.

“You know I do not exactly-“ He cut me short, reaching over to the back of my hand and rubbing it rather affectionately.

French men and their flirty nature.

“I know for sure that you are very busy and would rather send a representative but in this particular meeting, I would appreciate it if you showed up in person. You could take it as a little vacation and trust me, I’ll see to it you don’t regret your time there,” He said.

A vacation. Twice I’d had the same word today. Was it a sign that I should actually take one and clear my mind? I hadn’t had a single vacation in a good while but that would mean I would be running away from my problems. I believed in solving problems as soon as they began.

“Of course. I’ll be there in person with my CMO,” I said, shooting a glance at Raymond who had remained quiet all this while.

“I will never forget this,” He smiled, then stood up,” Well, as always, it has been a pleasure spending time with you, Mrs. Wilson. Do greet your husband for me. Unfortunately, I have to be on my way before my wife flies all the way here,”

“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Laurent,” I countered, matching the same beaming smile he wore.

He paid the bill despite me insisting then left us. Raymond let out a visibly shaky breath of relief. Sometimes I felt like his reactions were largely exaggerated. Mr. Laurent was not scary, not even in the least.

“How do you deal with him? I brought up French onion soup and it turned to a whole lesson on French cuisine,” He complained as he fell in step while we exited Le Boudoir.

“Its simple. Listen more and only pay compliments. He doesn’t want someone to talk with; he wants someone to talk to. You have to know the difference,” I said.

“Okay, Madame. Ugh! Now I have to start learning French,” he said, not bothering to hide frustration.

“Well, what do you say I treat you to some lunch and then we can go to that club you always talk about?” I questioned, ignoring his complaint. I certainly needed my mind off things today.

“Oh, I’m meeting with Dotty and Racheal. They are in town for the weekend and you should join us. It would be so much fun. Take it as a little vacation time with your college best friends,” he said.

Yeah, the universe was definitely conspiring against me today. A vacation? Three times I was hearing the same word today.

“I mean why not,” I said, fishing my phone,” I’ll just call Dane to let him know that-you know what? I won’t even text him. This is me and my friends time,”

Raymond’s eyes narrowed,” How much energy did it take for you not to press that call?”

“Honestly, a lot. Now can we get going?” I questioned, shrugging.

“Damn right! I was beginning to miss the old Chanel from college,” He said, his face widening into a beaming smile.