Chapter 14
When the taxi stopped in front of the villa, Elizabeth stared at the luxurious decorations on the nameplate, slightly stunned.
She had thought the address would be an ordinary residence, but it turned out to be a private villa with its own courtyard.
Not only was the environment serene, but it also had a huge balcony.
Elizabeth entered with her luggage, sunlight streaming into the house.
The room had obviously been regularly cleaned-not a speck of dust was visible.
Elizabeth briefly tidied up and left the bedroom, then hung some change of clothes from her suitcase in the walk-in closet.
When she collapsed onto the soft bed, her phone screen lit up with a message.
Zoe said she was free tomorrow to take her out for dinner.
Elizabeth immediately replied with an okay, then put down her phone.
The bookshelf by the bed was stacked with books. She habitually picked up one from beside the bed and read for a while before unknowingly falling asleep.
When sunlight penetrated through to the pillow again, Elizabeth was already awake.
Looking at the unfamiliar decorations and structure in the room, she felt somewhat unaccustomed for a moment.
It took Elizabeth three minutes to slowly adjust.
The bedside alarm showed 6:30 AM, two full hours earlier than when she used to wake up at the Whitmore house.
The person in the mirror still had faint dark circles under her eyes, but her spirit was much better.
Elizabeth adapted to local customs by taking a shower and then making breakfast.
Since she couldn’t get used to the bread here, Elizabeth had bought some noodles in advance.
She made herself a light bowl of egg noodles.
At noon, while she was applying lipstick in front of the mirror, Zoe’s message popped up: “I’m downstairs, taking you out to eat!”
Only then did Elizabeth follow her downstairs.
When the steamy aroma of beef stew hit her face, Elizabeth froze.
The thick, savory broth was bubbling away in a cast-iron pot, with chunks of brisket and carrots simmering inside sandwiches and espresso she’d grown used to on foreign streets.
–
a world apart from the cold
With a handful of Chinese-speaking customers scattered around the diner, for a second, Elizabeth almost felt like she was back home.
“I know you can’t deal with all the cold food here,” Zoe said, scooping a generous portion into Elizabeth’s bowl. “This is real Southern-style beef stew – warm, rich, and exactly what your soul needs.”
“Let’s talk business.” Zoe wiped the corner of her mouth.
“Can you start work today? There’s a big client the day after tomorrow who specifically requested Chinese liaison. I really can’t spare the time, and I don’t trust anyone else… so I can only bribe you with food.”
Zoe winked at her as she spoke.
“Why me?” Elizabeth put down her knief.
“Because you’re Elizabeth Skylar!”
Zoe reached out and poked her forehead. “The person who could win over a difficult professor in three days can’t handle one client? The other party has always been in design, has a very eccentric temperament, and specifically doesn’t want foreigners. I’ve thought it over and you’re the most suitable.”
“Plus, given your personality, you won’t fight with him.”
Zoe spoke very earnestly.
Elizabeth looked at this not-free delicious meal in front of her and finally nodded.
After staying in the Netherlands for several days, Elizabeth gradually adapted to the local climate.
On the agreed day, she went shopping with Zoe, buying several outfits and jewelry suitable for work.
She took out her phone to pay, but Zoe reached out to stop her: “You’re working for me, how can I let you pay?”
Elizabeth’s lips curved: “Boss is so generous!”
By evening, the other party sent the address of a restaurant. The two of them followed the navigation voice directions to the agreed location.
Watching Elizabeth go upstairs, Zoe frantically gestured encouragement from downstairs.
Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile wryly.
The moment she pushed open the restaurant’s private room door, Elizabeth’s steps suddenly froze.
This back figure felt very familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before.
But she had just arrived abroad and didn’t know anyone, so how could she have seen him?
The man standing against the light by the floor-to-ceiling window slowly turned around, his eyes carrying the same gentle smile from their airport
encounter.
“It’s you. We meet again.”
The man extended his hand: “I’m Julian Rothschild, CEO of Rothschild Global Ventures. Very pleased to work with you.”
Elizabeth shook the hand that had slight calluses, the touch carrying an unreal warmth.
And Julian’s eyes flashed with a meaningful smile, as if he had long anticipated this reunion.
The warmth of the hot pot was still churning in her stomach, and Elizabeth took a deep breath.
She had eaten his food and accepted his favor-she was obligated to him now.
Today she absolutely had to close this deal.
After all, this was her first order, and it would help her establish herself better.
