Half a month had passed since the fateful Saigon night that brought Thái Yên Pha and Âu Hương Chà together. Work, with its unending stream of contracts and negotiations, consumed Yên Pha's days, leaving her not a single moment of respite. Her mind was buried under numbers and discussions, barely surfacing to acknowledge the world outside.

Today, Yên Pha's schedule included an important contract signing with Đông Quan, to be held at a luxurious French restaurant in the heart of the city. Renowned not only for its exquisite cuisine but also its classic, romantic ambiance, the restaurant was a favored meeting place for business elites.

On the way to the venue, Yên Pha and Trí Tuấn exchanged a quick conversation inside the car.

In the quiet of the vehicle, only the hum of the engine and the distant honking of other cars punctuated the silence. Trí Tuấn sat beside Yên Pha, his gaze alternating between the cityscape outside and occasional concerned glances at her.

"Miss Thái, today's schedule seems quite packed," he began, his voice gentle yet filled with concern. "I heard the company has some critical negotiations lined up, and you haven't had any time to rest."

Yên Pha smiled faintly, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"That's true. Work keeps piling up. There's hardly any time for myself. But it can't be helped, Trí Tuấn. Work is my top priority."

He looked at her, his gaze calm and steady.

"You've always been dedicated to your work; I understand that. But sometimes, you need to take care of yourself too. Aren't you afraid of burning out?"

Yên Pha let out a soft sigh, turning to meet his eyes.

"Of course, I get tired. But who else will handle these responsibilities? The factory, the family... If I don't take care of everything, who will?" Her voice faltered slightly, her determination shining through despite the weariness in her eyes.

Trí Tuấn fell silent for a moment before replying softly.

"Miss Thái, you don't always have to shoulder everything alone. If it becomes too much, I believe there are people who can support you. Sometimes, a little rest can make all the difference."

She glanced at him, a faint smile flickering across her lips.

"I'll try. But for now, it's work. Today, I have to finalize the contract with Đông Quan. I can't afford to miss it."

He nodded and looked ahead.

"Then let's get there quickly. I've arranged a table at the French restaurant. It's the perfect place for the signing."

Yên Pha didn't respond, but her eyes glimmered briefly with a hint of hope. She turned back to him, offering another small smile.

"Let's hope everything goes smoothly."

They fell into silence again, driving toward the elegant restaurant where business awaited. Yet, Yên Pha found her mind lingering on Trí Tuấn's words. It seemed his advice was not only about work but also meant for her as a person.

Yên Pha entered the restaurant with an air of grace, her white suit radiating sophistication and authority. The soft glow from the chandeliers above illuminated her outfit, enhancing its perfect tailoring and her commanding presence. Each step she took was deliberate, carrying an unspoken story in its rhythm.

Her gaze swept across the elegant dining space, where candlelit tables sparkled with refined charm. The atmosphere was serene yet filled with an air of importance. She walked down the hallway leading to her reserved area, her attention caught by a familiar silhouette at another table.

It was Hương Chà.

Sitting in a private corner, she exuded both elegance and warmth under the gentle light. Across from her was a young man with a confident demeanor, wearing a dark suit with his hair neatly styled. His handsome face reflected self-assurance, but the air between them seemed tense, their conversation lacking ease.

Yên Pha hesitated, her steps faltering as her eyes fixed on the scene.

"Miss Thái, this way, please," the polite voice of the waiter broke her reverie.

Yên Pha nodded, maintaining a composed expression as if nothing had happened, and followed him to her table. Yet, an inexplicable feeling stirred within her chest.

Seated at her table, she tried to focus on the contract in front of her, but the image of Hương Chà lingered in her mind. Who was the man sitting opposite her? What was their relationship? And why did her heart feel like it had just been squeezed?

From her vantage point, Yên Pha could still clearly see the gentle smile on Hương Chà's lips, but it seemed her gaze didn't truly rest on the man in front of her.

She took a sip of water, trying to push away the stray thoughts and reminding herself that she was here for business. Yet, the more she tried, the more she realized how that fateful night had left an indelible mark on her.

A short while later, Yên Pha's business partner arrived—a French gentleman in his early 50s. His sophisticated demeanor exuded not only maturity but also the confidence of someone seasoned by years of experience. Dressed in a black suit, his hair streaked with silver, and his bright eyes reflecting wisdom, he embodied a refined charisma. Though age had etched lines upon his face, he retained an elegance that combined poise with undeniable charm.

Yên Pha stood gracefully, a soft smile gracing her lips as she extended her hand for a handshake. Her gaze was resolute yet captivating, immediately conveying her strength and sharp intellect. Every gesture radiated confidence, drawing the partner's attention with ease.

Yên Pha: Enchantée de faire votre connaissance, Monsieur Dupont.
(Pleased to meet you, Mr. Dupont.)

Monsieur Dupont: Le plaisir est pour moi, Mademoiselle Thái. J'ai entendu beaucoup de bien de vous.
(The pleasure is mine, Miss Thái. I've heard many good things about you.)

Yên Pha: Merci, Monsieur. J'espère que nos discussions d'aujourd'hui seront fructueuses.
(Thank you, sir. I hope our discussions today will be fruitful.)

Monsieur Dupont: Je suis sûr que cela se passera bien. Votre réputation vous précède.
(I am confident it will go well. Your reputation precedes you.)

Yên Pha: C'est un honneur de travailler avec des professionnels de votre calibre.
(It's an honor to work with a professional of your caliber.)

Monsieur Dupont: Je pense que nous avons beaucoup à gagner ensemble. Cette affaire pourrait être bénéfique pour les deux parties.
(I believe we have much to gain together. This deal could be beneficial for both parties.)

Yên Pha: Je suis tout à fait d'accord. Nous devons veiller à ce que chaque détail soit soigneusement étudié.
(I completely agree. We must ensure that every detail is meticulously considered.)

Monsieur Dupont: Bien sûr, Mademoiselle Thái. Vous avez un sens du détail exceptionnel.
(Of course, Miss Thái. You have an exceptional eye for detail.)

Yên Pha smiled, nodding graciously before inviting him to take a seat. As the waiter brought over the menu, they began selecting their courses and proceeded to enjoy lunch in an atmosphere that was both comfortable and dignified.

Throughout the meal, they discussed the contract's terms and the future of the collaboration between their companies. Though the conversation revolved around business, Yên Pha's finesse in every word and gesture left her partner undeniably captivated. Her statements were sharp and precise, instilling a sense of absolute trust. This quality, in particular, convinced the French gentleman that this partnership was one worth pursuing.

As they exchanged information over the meal, the soft midday sunlight filtering through Saigon's streets cast a warm glow over their table. Yên Pha's aura of power felt like a protective shield—steadfast and compelling, a force that both reassured and mesmerized those in her presence.

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