"Am I an outsider? Are you certain about that?"

Karina blinked and quickly poured him a glass of water.

“Are you thirsty? Have some water."

She needed to butter him up, as he was a potential collaborator.

Barlow observed her and chuckled once more.

"Karina, how do you change so fast?"

Karina flashed a grin and changed the conversation.

“what kind of drink would you prefer? White wine or red wine? Or perhaps both?"

Barlow arched an eyebrow.

“Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Not at all, I just want you to savor Wragos' finest wines," Karina replied earnestly. In reality, she did hope to get him drunk.

If he were inebriated, wouldn't he be more Likely to sign the contract?

“Will you join me for a drink?" Barlow asked.

“Absolutely!""

“Do you plan to resume where we left off, once we're drunk?" Barlow sipped his water and flashed a mischievous smile.

Karina felt flustered.

“Can you stop talking about what happened in the past?" jot a chance!"

“Hey!" Karina choked and stared at Barlow.

Casting a sidelong glance at her, Barlow said slowly, “Regarding the collaboration..."

“You're in charge and highly competent. The decision is yours." Karina was scared.

“Competent, you say? What do you mean by that? In what way?" Barlow inquired with a wicked grin.

Karina understood what he meant. She became shy. Her face instantly flushed.