Chapter 294 A Master of Disguise
Athena smiled back, her expression calm but with a hint of amusement. “I don’t usually show off my skills, Mr. Bloor. It’s all part of the game.”
Fitch, though clearly taken aback by the loss, respected her skill. He had expected a friendly round, maybe a few laughs, but this had turned into a competitive match. Athena wasn’t just a pretty face; she was sharp, focused, and strategic. He could see why she had such a reputation in the business world.
“I suppose you’ve won the set of bricks then,” he said, conceding with a chuckle. “Your son is going to be very happy.”
Athena nodded graciously, “Thank you. I’ll make sure he enjoys it.” She wasn’t one to gloat, but she felt a quiet satisfaction. It wasn’t about the bricks or the win, but about proving herself to someone who might have underestimated her based on her appearance.
Fitch extended his hand for a handshake again. “You know, I wasn’t expecting this, Ms. Stella. You’ve caught my attention, for sure.”
Athena shook his hand, her grip firm but polite. “I’m glad to have done so. I believe we both came here for a reason—to explore the possibility of working together. Let’s focus on that now.”
Fitch seemed to respect Athena’s directness. He nodded, motioning to a nearby bench where they could sit down and talk business. “Absolutely. Let’s get to it. I’ve heard great things about your work. I’m very interested in discussing how we can collaborate.”
As they walked toward the bench, Athena’s mind shifted back to the project at hand. She had always been clear-headed when it came to work, and she wasn’t about to let a little playful competition distract her. Fitch was a good business partner to have, and she intended to make the most of the opportunity.
Sitting down, Fitch immediately got to the point. “I’ve been reviewing your proposal, and I like what I see so far. However, I’m curious about your vision for the next phase. How do you plan to expand our reach?”
Athena crossed her legs and settled into a more comfortable position, ready to delve into the details. “The market has changed a lot recently, especially with the rise of social media and influencer marketing. I think there’s potential for Bloor Food Industry to become a household name in the younger demographic, and I have a strategy in mind that involves collaboration with several high-profile influencers.”
Fitch leaned forward, clearly intrigued. “That sounds promising. What kind of timeline are you thinking of?”
“A few months for initial groundwork, followed by a larger rollout next year,” Athena said, her tone confident. “We’ll need to build up anticipation through targeted campaigns, product teasers, and exclusive offers.”
Fitch nodded, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on the table. “You’ve done your research, I can tell. I’m impressed.”
“Thank you,” Athena replied, her smile just a bit warmer now. “I like to be thorough.”
The rest of the conversation flowed smoothly, with both of them exchanging ideas and suggestions. Athena could tell that Fitch was genuinely interested in making this partnership work. By the end of the meeting, they had outlined the next steps and agreed to meet again soon to finalize the details.
As Athena walked off the golf course, her mind was already shifting back to her family. Aiden, Mia, and Evie would be waiting for her at home, and she couldn’t wait to see them. Despite the successful business meeting, there was something infinitely more fulfilling in the way her children had made her feel just by being with them.
But for now, the day had been productive. Another victory for Athena, both personally and professionally. And as she looked ahead to the next challenge, she knew she was more than ready to take it on.