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As Jeston strode into his office with his characteristic confidence, his assistant Ashwin trailed closely behind, a flurry of papers in hand. With a quick nod from Jeston, Ashwin launched into a rapid-fire rundown of the day's schedule, detailing the series of meetings, deals, and collaborations that awaited Jeston's attention.

"At 9:00, you have a meeting with Mr. Keneni from Keneli brand," Ashwin began, his tone crisp and efficient. "Followed by a 10:00 appointment with Mr. Alli of Allera brand, and then an 11:00 discussion with NishFashion brand."

Jeston nodded thoughtfully, mentally organizing his priorities for the day as Ashwin continued to outline the agenda. Each meeting presented an opportunity to foster new partnerships and expand the reach of the Rodristo fashion empire.

However, it was Ashwin's mention of a high-profile client that piqued Jeston's interest, drawing his full attention to the conversation. "And who might this esteemed client be?" Jeston inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Ashwin paused momentarily, before delivering the news with a hint of excitement. "It's none other than Mr. Harrington," he revealed, his voice tinged with reverence. "He's expressed a keen interest in both the Rodristo brand and Imperfectly Perfect's work. He's requested a joint meeting with both teams at 2:00 sharp."

Jeston's brow furrowed slightly as he processed the information. Mr. Harrington's interest in both brands presented a unique opportunity, but it also posed a challenge.
As Jeston processed Ashwin's revelation about ImperfectlyPrefect's representation in the upcoming meeting, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. On one hand, he couldn't deny the excitement of the opportunity to collaborate with such a prestigious brand. Yet, on the other hand, the mention of Sarah McCalister's involvement filled him with a sense of unease.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Jeston composed himself and addressed Ashwin with a calm yet probing tone. "Can you confirm who will be present from ImperfectlyPrefect's company?" he inquired, his voice betraying a hint of apprehension.

Ashwin hesitated for a moment, his brows furrowing in concentration as he mentally sifted through the information at his disposal. "I'm not entirely certain, sir," he admitted, his tone apologetic. "But based on my knowledge, I would venture to guess that it's Ms. McKay and Ms. McCalister. However, I can double-check to confirm."

Jeston nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for Ashwin's diligence. "Please do," he replied, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Thank you, Ashwin."

As Ashwin exited the room to verify the details, Jeston found himself reflecting on his parents' stern warnings about Sarah McCalister. Their disdain for the McCalister family had been palpable, fueled by years of rivalry and resentment.

OòBefore he could delve deeper into his musings, however, he was interrupted by the arrival of Veleno, his longtime friend and confidant.

"Hey, buddy," Veleno greeted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "How's life treating you?"

Jeston chuckled at Veleno's playful jab, recognizing the familiar banter between them. "Life's good," he replied casually, returning the sarcasm with a hint of amusement. "But you seem unusually chipper today. Did something exciting happen, or did someone just suck  you off ?"

Veleno laughed at Jeston's jest, his smirk widening as he leaned against the doorway. "Oh, you know me," he quipped. "Always living on the edge of excitement.

But enough about me, what's going on in your dramatic world? Veleno questioned.

As Veleno settled into a chair across from Jeston, his curiosity got the better of him. "So, Jeston," he began, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "did the parental judges hand down a verdict this morning? Or were you too busy advocating for the victims?"

Jeston couldn't help but chuckle at Veleno's playful use of legal jargon. "Ah, you caught wind of that, did you?" he replied, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yes, the usual morning lecture with a side of courtroom drama."

Veleno leaned in, his interest piqued. "Do tell," he urged, his tone tinged with amusement. "What was the charge this time? Excessive partying? Negligent fashion choices?"

Jeston laughed, shaking his head at his friend's jests. "Nothing quite so scandalous," he confessed. "Just the usual warnings about staying away from certain 'troublemakers' in the fashion world."

Veleno raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk on his face. "Ah, the McCalisters," he surmised, his tone laced with mock sympathy. "Always stirring up trouble wherever they go."

Jeston nodded in agreement, knowing all too well the reputation that preceded Sarah and her family in his family . "You got it," he confirmed, his expression turning more serious. "But enough about that. Let's focus on the task at hand."

With that, Jeston shifted the conversation away from his family's concerns, eager to concentrate on the upcoming meeting and the potential opportunities it held for Rodristo Fashion.Just then Ashwin reentered the room, breaking the lighthearted exchange with a more serious demeanor.

"Sir, I've confirmed the attendees from Imperfectly Perfect," Ashwin announced, his tone professional as ever.Jeston nodded, eager to hear the details. "Who will be joining us?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.Ashwin consulted his notes before responding. "It will indeed be Ms. McKay and Ms. McCalister," he confirmed, his tone neutral.Jeston's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Sarah's name. Despite his attempts to remain composed, he couldn't deny the surge of anticipation that coursed through him.

Jeston nodded, grateful for the timely interruption. "Thank you, Ashwin," he acknowledged, his attention shifting back to the matter at hand. "Please inform the team that we'll be expecting our guests promptly at 2:00."

With a nod, Ashwin took his leave once more, leaving Jeston and Veleno alone in the office once again.
As the mention of Sarah's name hung in the air, Veleno's expression shifted, his tone taking on a more knowing edge."Looks like you have another court drama waiting for you tonight," Veleno remarked casually, his gaze lingering on Jeston with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

Jeston's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Sarah, his thoughts momentarily drifting back to their earlier encounter on the dance floor. Despite his efforts to suppress his feelings, her presence continued to linger in his mind, a constant reminder of the tangled web of emotions he found himself ensnared in."Yeah, seems like it," Jeston replied with a resigned sigh, trying to mask the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "Just another day in the life of a fashion mogul, right?"Veleno offered a sympathetic nod, sensing Jeston's inner conflict. "Well, if anyone can navigate through the drama, it's you," he offered reassuringly. "Just remember, I've got your back if you need it."


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