Chapter 15 Introducing You to a Match
The garden center's owner, Kai, hurried in from outside. Yara, afraid of any misunderstanding, quickly stepped forward to explain, "Kai, Ms. Tudor brought her friend to look at flowers. Get someone to pick out a few nice ones from the greenhouse."
Leopold immediately realized the misunderstanding—they thought he was just a friend Caroline had brought to get a discount.
"I'm looking to place a bulk order, not just buying a few plants for home," he clarified.
Kai's gaze swept across the three faces before finally settling on Yara. Clearly, Caroline hadn't brought trouble—she'd brought business.
Yara also wore an expression of belated understanding.
"No problem," Kai pulled a cigarette pack from his pocket and offered it to Leopold. "Here, have one."
Leopold accepted, taking out his lighter. After a brief exchange of courtesies, Leopold ended up lighting Kai's cigarette first.
Judging by Leopold's attire, he was clearly someone important. The fact that he'd light Kai's cigarette first showed good character.
Kai took a drag and said, "Any friend Ms. Tudor brings deserves the best. For the same price, I'll give you better quality than anyone else. As for cost, choose what you want first, and I'll make sure you're satisfied with the price."
Leopold wasn't careless about money in business. He cared, but he had standards, rules, and principles.
In a business relationship, you paid and he provided. If the value was fair, he never shortchanged anyone.
During their cigarette, they discussed the purpose of the plants and the varieties and quantities needed. Kai began calculating for Leopold, proving himself to be straightforward. Leopold adjusted based on his recommendations, ultimately saving several thousand dollars from his initial budget.
Leopold put out his cigarette and followed Kai toward the greenhouse in the back.
With Kai and Yara leading the way, Leopold glanced sideways at Caroline. "What do you think?"
She was surprised he asked for her opinion.
"I don't know much about this. Did you research the market before coming?" Caroline asked.
Having overseen five hotel chain projects, Leopold knew the market extremely well.
"I have. My previous supplier quoted me prices, but they transport from out of town, which increases costs and adds shipping fees. Their retail prices are higher than this place."
Caroline said, "If the price is good, just check if the actual plants meet your requirements. If they do, this place is your best option."
Leopold shared the same thought.
In the greenhouse, the plants were meticulously cared for—leaves lush and green, stems thick and sturdy, flowers vibrant and full. Leopold had already made up his mind.
Caroline stood to the side, listening to him negotiate. She thought of TV dramas where handsome, wealthy male leads could affect national GDP with a flick of their fingers, then watched Leopold haggling enthusiastically over one or two dollars per plant. The contrast was amusing.
Finally, they compromised and closed the deal.
Kai invited Leopold for coffee to sign the purchase contract, but when he turned around, he noticed Caroline was gone.
Where was she?
Leaving the greenhouse, he found Caroline crouching by the roadside, playing with a small dog.
The usually aloof woman now wore a happy smile, looking completely different from her typical demeanor around Leopold. This fresh side of her captured his attention even more.
Hearing footsteps, Caroline stood and walked toward Leopold. "All settled?"
Leopold nodded. "Yes, we're going to sign the contract now. Do you have other plans? If nothing urgent, this might take a while."
She truly had nothing pressing, and the little dog at her feet was wagging its tail at her. Finding the dog adorable, Caroline bent down to pat its head again and said, "I'm not in a hurry."
They walked side by side, with the dog following Caroline. She occasionally turned back to play with it.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Elijah. Caroline signaled to Leopold that she needed to take the call and stepped aside.
Leopold initially didn't pay much attention, until he heard Caroline lie about being in the countryside with colleagues. That caught his interest.
He deliberately slowed his pace, then heard Caroline address the caller as "Dad."
Realizing it was a family call, he relaxed again.
"Who? Griffin Wallace? Right, I remember... my high school classmate... Dinner together? We weren't that close... Dad, I'm in the mountains, the signal isn't great. I'll call you back tonight when I return."
Caroline quickly hung up, only to find Leopold standing nearby, playing with the dog.
She wondered how much of the conversation he'd overheard.
Caroline approached, feeling uneasy but unable to ask directly. "Weren't you going to sign the contract? Why aren't you in a hurry?"
While still petting the dog, Leopold teased, "Family setting you up on a blind date?"
Caroline narrowed her eyes. "I didn't realize Mr. Wipere enjoyed eavesdropping."
Leopold gave an amused snort and strode forward. Caroline stared at his back. "You eavesdrop on people's calls and still act like you're in the right?"
By the time they returned to Seaside City, it was already dark. Leopold asked what she liked to eat, wanting to thank her for introducing him to the garden center. For Caroline, this was a small matter she hadn't thought much about. "Let's skip dinner. I appreciate the thought, but just take me home."
Leopold insisted, "At least let me express my gratitude. I already feel bad for taking up your day off. How could I let you go home hungry with a clear conscience?"
"It's not that serious. You don't need to be so formal with me. You helped chase away Atticus last time, and I haven't properly thanked you yet. Let's call it even." Caroline was firm, pointing to the intersection ahead. "You can just stop by the curb."
Instead of stopping, Leopold turned the car around, surprising Caroline. "If you won't choose, I will." He added, "Don't worry, we won't run into anyone you know."
Caroline found herself having dinner with Leopold against her better judgment.
After several turns, the car stopped in front of a restaurant. Leopold said, "The food here is excellent, and they have private rooms."
They entered one after another. Leopold immediately asked the server for a private room. They were led to room number three, where Leopold ordered two of the restaurant's signature dishes and let Caroline choose the rest according to her preferences.
While waiting for their food, Leopold unwrapped the disposable cutlery and placed it in the nearby UV sterilization device.
When Caroline returned from the restroom, she saw Leopold with his back to her, preparing her utensils.
Hearing the door, Leopold returned to his seat and asked, "Hungry?"
"Not too bad," Caroline replied.
"They serve pretty quickly here." Leopold placed the sterilized utensils on her plate.
"Actually, you don't need to worry about being seen having dinner with me. It's not a big deal," Leopold felt she was being overly cautious.
But Caroline had her reasons.
"Seaside City is neither too big nor too small. If someone sees us having lunch together in the morning, by afternoon the news might spread. Think about it—the hotel approval authority rests with me. What if someone reports us for collusion? If an investigation team gets involved, aren't you worried it might affect your hotel's trial operation?"
Leopold conceded, "Fine, you've convinced me."
Just as the food arrived, Elysia called again.
"Mom, what is it?" Caroline answered.
Elysia said over the phone, "Did Elijah mention Griffin to you?"
Caroline slowed her chewing. "The phone signal was poor at the time. I couldn't hear clearly."
Elysia continued, "I've checked his background thoroughly this time. Griffin has good character and family background. You should meet him."
The private room was quiet enough that Leopold could hear everything clearly.