The Oak Room was all dark wood, deep leather, and quiet conversations that cost more than most cars. Alex arrived five minutes early. He was shown to a corner booth, shielded by a frosted glass partition. A power booth.
He ordered sparkling water. He did not open the folder beside him.
At 1:02 PM, she arrived.
Luna Veres moved through the restaurant not like a model, but like a CEO entering her own boardroom. Heads turned, but she didn't seem to notice. Her eyes scanned the room once, found him, and locked on. A small, polite smile touched her lips. It didn't reach her eyes.
She slid into the booth opposite him. She wore a severe, elegant pantsuit, not a dress. Her hair was pulled back. This was a business meeting for her, too.
"Mr. Sterling," she said, her voice cool and smooth. "A pleasure. I've heard a great deal about your… decisive leadership."
"Ms. Veres," Alex nodded. "Your brand's trajectory is the more interesting topic. You've moved from print to film in eighteen months. That's not luck. That's strategy."
Her eyebrow lifted a fraction. A slight tilt of the head. Okay, the gesture said. You've done your homework. Let's see where this goes.
A waiter appeared. She ordered a green tea. No small talk about the menu.
"You mentioned a partnership opportunity," she began, her hands folded on the table. "An endorsement for Sterling Luxe, I assume? I must say, your brand is prestigious, but its image is quite… traditional. Established. I'm known for a more modern edge."
"This isn't about Sterling Luxe," Alex said, cutting through the expected script.
She paused. Sipped her tea. Her gaze never left his face. "No?"
"This is about a different kind of alignment. A private, long-term, and highly exclusive partnership."
"I'm listening."
"Your value isn't just in your face," Alex said, his tone flat, analytical. "It's in your narrative. Self-made. Strategic. Ambitious. You attract a certain demographic—aspirational, savvy. But your current path has a ceiling. You're hopping from one influencer event to another, one benefactor to the next. It's volatile."
A flicker in her eyes. Not offense. Assessment. He'd struck a nerve, a real concern.
"And you offer stability?" she asked, a faint challenge in her voice.
"I offer a platform. Not just money. Access to a network that doesn't care about tabloids. Boardrooms, not backstage passes. A partnership with me would shift your public perception from 'rising star' to 'established power.' It would grant you permanence."
"And what," Luna said, setting her cup down with a soft click, "does this 'partnership' require of me, specifically? Beyond the usual photo ops and brand mentions?"
Here was the precipice. Alex leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough to ensure privacy.
"It requires a committed, public, romantic affiliation."
The words hung in the air between them. He watched her face. No shock. No blush. No indignation.
Her lips pursed in thought. She looked down at her tea, then back up at him. Her eyes were like polished stone.
"A fake relationship," she stated.
"A formalized one," Alex corrected. "With clear terms, mutual benefits, and a defined exit strategy. Think of it as a joint venture. Our social and professional capital merged into a single, stronger entity."
"A merger," she repeated, almost to herself. A long silence followed. The sounds of the restaurant faded. "And the terms of this merger?"
"I'll send you the full framework. It includes a monthly stipend for your time and compliance. A performance bonus structure tied to your career milestones—I can facilitate introductions to three A-list directors and two studio heads within the first year. Investment capital for any production venture you choose to lead. In return, you act as my consistent companion at required social functions, maintain confidentiality, and uphold the public image of the partnership."
Luna didn't speak for a full minute. She was running the numbers, weighing the cost against the benefit. He could almost see the calculations behind her eyes.
"Why me?" she finally asked.
"Because you understand value. You won't confuse this for sentiment. You'll view it as what it is: a business deal."
A slow, genuine smile finally appeared on her face. It wasn't warm. It was sharp. Appreciative.
"You're very direct, Mr. Sterling. It's refreshing. Most men in your position try to pretty it up with flowers and empty promises."
"Wasted effort. With you."
She gave a single, slight nod. "Indeed. Send me your framework. I'll have my lawyer and my agent look it over."
"Of course."
The meeting was over. They both knew it. There was no need to linger over dessert.
He signaled for the check. She didn't object to him paying. It was, after all, a business expense.
As they stood, she offered her hand. He shook it. Her grip was firm, cool.
"I expect it within twenty-four hours," she said.
"You'll have it in twelve," Alex replied.
Her sharp smile returned. "I look forward to it."
He watched her walk away, every step purposeful. A worthy counterpart.
In his vision, the quest notification pulsed softly, not with completion, but with progression.
[QUEST: ASSET ACQUISITION ALPHA - IN PROGRESS]
[Target Engagement: SUCCESSFUL.]
[Next Phase: Contract Formalization.]
Alex sat back down for a moment, alone in the booth. He finished his water.
The first contact was a success. The bridge was built.
Now he had to send the army across. The contract was that army.
He picked up the folder beside him, the one he never opened. It contained the first draft. He would refine it tonight. Every clause, every bonus, every detail had to be perfect.
The game was on. And for the first time, he was playing against someone who understood the rules.