Nestor relaxed a little when he saw how serious Lawrence looked. He quickly straightened his tie, checked his reflection in the window, and called out to the secretary, “Get some tea ready. We have important guests coming soon.”
As they walked into the office, Nestor remembered that Lawrence had barely experienced this kind of formal meeting, so he couldn’t help but give a reminder. “Just go with the flow and watch my cues, alright?”
Lawrence nodded, calm and collected. “I got it.”
Fifteen minutes later, the receptionist led a group up to the office. At the front was Malvin, the business director from Nexus Dynamics.
Malvin looked to be in his early forties, dressed in a sharp dark suit and clearly every bit the consummate professional. Three of his top team members followed close behind.
Nestor went out to greet them with a big smile. “Malvin, welcome. It’s an honor to have you here. Sorry I didn’t come down to meet you.”
Malvin shook his hand politely, but his eyes quickly moved past Nestor and landed on Lawrence. For half a second, he and Lawrence exchanged a subtle nod, barely noticeable.
“Nestor, you’re too kind. We’re the ones dropping by unannounced,” Malvin said, then glanced at Lawrence. “And this is...?”
Nestor stepped aside, rushing through the introduction. “Oh, this is Lawrence.” He didn’t bother explaining further and immediately gestured for Malvin to come inside.
Lawrence followed quietly. The secretary brought in the tea, but Nestor waved her out right away.
Malvin didn’t sit down, since Lawrence was still standing by the side.
“Malvin, please, have a seat,” Nestor said, sounding extra hospitable.
Malvin’s eyes lingered on Lawrence for a moment, and there was a flash of respect in his expression.



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