Chapter 19
After the grand ceremony,
Clara walked into garden,
seeking some quiet air.
The Eiffel Tower blinked,
in the far distance,
a beautiful iron giant.
A man stepped out,
from the shadow tree,
holding a champagne glass.
He was young handsome,
with sharp gray eyes,
and a sophisticated smile.
"Congratulations Miss Sterling," He,
said in perfect English,
with a slight French,
and elegant melodic accent.
"Your speech was inspiring,
and your victory complete."
Clara looked at him,
her instincts instantly rising,
analyzing his true intent.
"Thank you sir," she,
replied politely but coolly,
"do I know you?"
"I am Henri Dupont," He,
introduced himself extending hand,
"owner of Dupont Logistics."
"The biggest shipping firm,
in Mediterranean sea lanes,"
Clara noted with interest.
"Ah,
so you know me,"
he smiled keeping eye,
contact with her firmly.
"I wanted to propose,
a strategic global alliance,
between our two empires."
"Together we could control,
every single trade route,
from America to Asia."
Clara looked at him,
seeing ambition in eyes,
but also genuine respect.
He was not trying,
to destroy her legacy,
he wanted to build,
something greater with her.
"I do not jump,
into partnerships quickly Henri,"
she said with charm,
"but I am always,
willing to talk business."
"Let us have lunch,
tomorrow at your office,"
he suggested smoothly walking,
away with a bow.
Clara watched him go,
feeling a new chapter,
opening up before her.
The world was vast,
and new paths appeared,
when the old enemies,
May you like
were finally swept away,
into the dark past.
