The Bride He Took For Granted novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Elise shot to her feet, leaned across the table, and turned the page for him herself.

Harold lifted his gaze.

Her face was suddenly only inches from his. A polite smile still curved her lips, and the faint peach fuzz along her fair cheeks was visible in the light.

Their eyes met.

The color in Elise’s cheeks deepened almost at once.

Her smile stiffened. Her lashes fluttered twice before she quickly looked away.

Pretending nothing had happened, she returned to her seat and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Just then, Daniel entered with coffee.

Elise stood and accepted the cup with both hands. She took a single sip, then set it down and never touched it again.

Five minutes later, Harold finally lowered the proposal.

sexpression remained calm and unreadable.

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Chapter 39

Elise couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and she no longer had

time to figure it out.

“Mr. Nash, the game has several clear advantages,” she began quickly. “We’ll release regular updates to keep players engaged, and the format can support multiple types of tournaments.”

She barely paused for breath.

“Novatech is also willing to waive its share of the revenue during the initial period. We can wait until you’re satisfied with the results before signing a long-term agreement.”

“One month,” Harold said.

Elise paused, hope lighting her eyes.

“Does that mean you’re willing to work with us?”

“If the returns justify it, I’m willing to make an exception.”

“But one month is too long. Could we negotiate that?”

“One month is the minimum.”

“Does that include the operating period?”

“No.”

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Elise nodded. She lowered her eyes and thought for a few seconds before trying again.

“Could we launch it without a full marketing campaign first and judge it by the initial performance?”

“No. Firefly Glow only accepts exclusive licensing deals.”

“All right. I’ll put together a marketing plan and revise it until your team is satisfied.” She hesitated. “But if the operating period isn’t included, could we reduce the revenue-free period to two weeks?”

A knock sounded at the door.

Daniel stepped inside.

Elise knew her ten minutes were up. Her words immediately came even faster.

“I already have a basic marketing strategy. We could run memorable ads in subway stations. Novatech also works with several gaming streamers who could promote it through humorous commentary. I’ve even come up with a slogan—”

“Ms. White,” Daniel interrupted politely. “Your appointment is over. This way, please.”

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Chapter 39

Daniel escorted Elise toward the elevator, but her stomach remained tied in knots.

Harold still hadn’t given her a clear answer.

So do we have a deal or not?

Before Daniel could react, Elise suddenly spun around and hurried back into the office.

Harold looked up at her unexpected return, momentarily caught off guard.

Daniel moved to stop her, but Elise refused to leave without one last answer.

“Just one more question.”

Her bright, hopeful eyes met Harold’s, throwing his thoughts off balance for a moment.

“Mr. Nash, when will I know your decision?”

It took Harold a few seconds to collect himself.

He looked away from her and said quietly, “There’s a process.”

Elise nearly wilted.

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“Another seven business days?”

Harold pressed his lips together. After a brief pause, he said, “You’ll have my answer by the end of the day.”

The tension immediately left her shoulders.

“Thank you, Mr. Nash.”

After politely saying goodbye, Elise told Daniel there was no need to walk her out and headed for the elevator alone.

Daniel waited until he was certain she was gone before closing the office door.

When he turned around, he found Harold sipping his coffee, a faint smile tugging at one corner of his mouth.

Harold seemed lost in thought.

“Interesting,” he murmured.

Daniel blinked.

What’s interesting?

He’s been acting like a completely different person all day.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Daniel asked, “Who do you 19:58

Chapter 39

mean?”

“The game,” Harold replied casually.

Daniel nodded. “Kevin thinks highly of it too. He said the scene transitions made him feel like a teenager again. I have to admit, Mr. Carter really is impressive—”

Harold shot him a sharp look.

Daniel immediately closed his mouth.

What did I say?

“Send Kevin up,” Harold said coolly.

“Now? The people from AI Strategy are already here.”

“The deal with AI Strategy is practically settled. Five minutes will be enough.”

Daniel stared at him.

Five minutes? That’s barely enough time to sit down.

Still, an order was an order.

“Understood.”

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He turned and went to carry it out.

******

Elise took a cab back to Novatech Global.

Normally, she would have gone straight to Landon to update

him.

But after last night, she couldn’t bring herself to be alone with

him.

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