CHAPTER 226: CHAPTER 226 - GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Anise knocked gently on the doorframe before stepping through. I followed at a slight distance that would separate me from her for effect without making me look like we were strangers.

The studio space itself was even more impressive to me than the reception area - mostly because it was a photographer’s dream. With professional lighting equipment arranged around a seamless white backdrop on one side that I could feel made my eyes light up.

Though it’s currently pushed to one side, so I guess that won’t be used today. What a shame.

Vrika didn’t feel the same as me, obviously. The wolf’s idea of a good time was not to have to listen to hundreds of commands and camera shutter sounds while being heated up by the bright lights.

Truthfully, I’m not sure it is something I will like either, but I’m excited to find out. Though there were lots of other details in the setting to stare at, my eyes quickly pan away to the long conference table which dominated the center of the room.

It was surrounded by many chairs that looked to be in the ’ergonomic’ style, though they were stylish enough in other ways. Each probably cost as much as my new monthly rent, just judging by the quality looking material.

But it was the people seated in them that needed my attention for now so that I don’t look like too much of a bumpkin.

The man - clearly the lead designer - sat at the head of the table with the kind of posture that suggested he’d never once doubted his right to be there. His dark hair showed distinguished silver at the temples, and his hands moved expressively as he continued answering one of the others.

Middle-aged, impeccably groomed, and wearing what I could only describe as this world’s current business casual tailored to an elevated art form. One of his original designs, complete with all the trim details he was known for

Including a stylized monogram of EBL embroidered on the lapel. Interesting, another form of nametag!

My wolf is, again, not nearly as amused or enthused as I. Really, it just needs to get over what happened already. Even sitting down, the man carries himself like royalty - and that’s something I know how to deal with.

Unlike how I dealt with *her* questions. But I really need to suppress thinking about that before I start frowning in front of everyone here. If I’m not already.

To his right sat a woman with short auburn hair that reminds me a little too much of that Whitecrest woman’s dye-job. Behind her glasses, she has sharp eyes set behind lenses locked on a jewelry quality frame.

A covered board on a wheeled frame was behind them both, probably holding all the secrets of their clothing line not meant for my eyes. Likewise, all the garments that hung from the mobile rack behind the others were in opaque bags.

In front of her is a tablet being used with the air of someone who made sure everything always ran smoothly. I haven’t actually seen Claire at office work yet, but it does remind me a little of her as well.

When she zoned into actually using her computer at the internet cafe, it was a lot like the look this woman has now. Her outfit was professional, but a touch creative - a blazer over dark jeans and boots that matched the business casual energy of her boss.

Something that suggested she could handle both investor meetings and a trip to the warehouse floors to check on stock in the same afternoon. Before I could assess the others, that same accent that I could call distinctly British called out.

"Anise! The two of you are early."

He rose from his chair without seeming rushed, but strode over all the same like someone ready to get going on things. I understood immediately why my helpful partner for getting dressed had spoken his name with such a particular emphasis.

"Ember Beau Laurent."

The very way he introduced himself with each syllable given its full weight and significance in its enunciation... struck me like an echo from my old life. It was exactly how I used to announce myself at diplomatic functions.

Princess Citra Lomdi. Conveyed both respect for the listening dignitary at whatever function I was made to attend.... and absolute confidence in one’s own importance. Another man who understands the power of a proper introduction!

Truly, I can also see now why she brought up the owner of that sushi restaurant. But I could tell that unlike myself who was forced to ride on the significance of my family for my position... this wasn’t conceit on his part.

It was the quiet confidence of someone who had earned their position and knew their worth. Well, not that I didn’t think I qualified for those two interpretations, but there is still a difference one can be pedantic about.

"A pleasure to meet you. Citra Lomdi."

Replying in a near exact match to his formal tone and haughtiness while extending my hand, he seemed to be unsure whether to be pleased or if I was mocking him. Still, his handshake was firm without being aggressively masculine.

"I’ll just add that I hope to be able to meet the spirit of your expectations, but please excuse me if I make any early professional blunders. Do not hold your tongue if you find fault, or I will not be able to learn."

I caught the pleased lift of his eyebrows at my own continued eloquence. Good. He recognized quality when he heard it. Not that my voice is what he is seeking, but the longer sentences shows off that a sense of cadence and its perfection matters to me.

Of course, he could also just be appreciating the confidence to be openly humble. But I prefer to be vain and simply think it’s my voice he is happy with! Especially since his eyes continue to swim methodically over my whole appearance up close.

"You certainly are the young woman Anise has been raving to me about. Please, sit. We have much to discuss."