Too Late For Regrets, Mr. Billionaire (Brianna Meyers and Brandon Levy) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Laceupter with an Old Friend

Chapter 16 Encounter with an Old Friend

After submitting her work and filling out the forms, Brianna stepped out of the building and noticed a man in a sharp suit off in the distance. He seemed vaguely familiar.

She didn’t think much ont

He said, “Brianna?”

She halted and looked up at the man in front of her. It was like long forgotten memories were gradually resurfacing. “Clair?” Brianna was truly taken aback. She thought, ‘How many years has it been?‘

Back in the day, he was just a kid in a white T–shirt and sneakers, dribbling a basketball on the court. Now, here he was, standing tall in his suit, looking every bit the successful executive.

Clair said, “What brings you here? I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“I’m here to submit my entry. You?”

Bumping into an old friend like this was a pleasant surprise.

His name was Clair Salazar, her senior from grad school.

He asked, “You’re entering this jewelry design competition too?”

The delight in Clair’s eyes grew even brighter. “While we were organizing it, I kept thinking you’d be a great fit. I almost reached out, but I didn’t want to overstep.”

He’d heard she’d married into the richest family in Klamdiff and given up designing, which had left him feeling a pang of regret.

As it happened, Clair was now the design director for Dexter Gems‘ operations, the global luxury jewelry powerhouse, and one of the main organizers of the contest.

After all these years, they had so much to catch up on, but for now, they just exchanged awkward smiles.

He said, “How long are you in Zaivine for? Free for dinner sometime?”

She replied, “A few more days. I want to hit the antique jewelry exhibit at the museum before heading back.” Clair’s smile widened warmly.

They swapped contact info and agreed to meet for dinner that night.

With this rare bit of downtime, Brianna slung her camera over her shoulder and roamed the city, checking out historic buildings and snapping photos.

Wandering through the crowds, navigating unfamiliar streets, and soaking up all the new sights got her pulse racing. Even the air felt freer.

That evening, Brianna showed up right on time at the restaurant Clair had reserved. He was already waiting out front. They headed inside, an historic building over a century old, decked out in classic style.

“Figured I’d treat you to some real Zaivine eats while you’re here. Hope it’s not too rustic for Mrs. Lefy.” Clair teased gently, trying to break the ice.

Though they hadn’t stayed in touch, he’d kept tabs on her life through friends. He knew her husband Brandon was a big shot in business, and they had a daughter.

Brianna smiled bashfully. “Rustic? Come on, don’t poke fun at me.”

“You here with the family this time?”

“Nope, just me. Needed a quick escape.”

“I heard you’ve got a daughter now?”

“Yeah, she’s in elementary school already. How about you, Clair? Married yet?”

“Married? I can’t even land a girlfriend.” Clair made a face. There were plenty of great women out there, but nothing ever sparked for him.

“Your standards must be sky–high. Spill, what’s your type? I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Someone like you.” The words tumbled out before he could stop them.

Realizing his slip, Clair laughed it off, fumbling to recover. “You know, beautiful, talented. Just someone cut from the same cloth as you.”

Chapter 16 Enerupter with an Old Friend

Brianna took it as a joke, though her ears turned pink. “Me? I’d never measure up to you.”

Things got a tad awkward, so they both steered the conversation elsewhere

She said, “Clair, I’m planning to launch my own jewelry brand. I’ve got a bunch of questions. Mind if I pick your brain?” With his background in luxury design and management at a top brand, she was keen to learn from him.

Clair’s eyes lit up, and he agreed right away

Once they got talking, he dove into all sorts of industry tips. “Tell you what: You free tomorrow? Swing by the office, and I’ll give you the full tour.”

“For real? You sure it’s no bother?” Brianna gazed at him hopefully.

“No bother at all. I’ll swing by your hotel in the morning to pick you up.”

They nailed down the plans, but she passed on his offer for drinks after. Dinner ended, and she rushed back to the hotel. This was her shot to see inside a leading company. She couldn’t just wing it.

When she committed to something, she always gave it everything she had. That was just her way.

She hardly got any sleep that night.

She dove deep into research on Dexter Gems and similar luxury jewelry brands, mulling over what she could borrow for her own brand’s positioning. By the end, she’d filled five full pages with notes.

Heading in with targeted questions and a solid mental outline was key. She didn’t want to squander this chance to learn.

The next morning, right on schedule, Brianna went downstairs and found Clair waiting in the hotel lobby.

He sported black slacks and a deep gray shirt with the sleeves rolled up just a bit, showing off a sleek silver watch, polished and put–together.

Her face brightened as she hurried over. A fresh, uplifting citrus–woody scent from his cologne hit her, instantly lifting her mood.

He treated her to a classic Zaivine breakfast before they made their way to the office.

Brianna had on a grayish–purple maxi skirt with ballet flats. No jewelry at all, except for a understated square–faced watch that accentuated her cool, aloof elegance.

From design to marketing, she soaked up every introduction, her questions sharp and well–thought–out.

Clair stole glances at her serene profile, spotting the dark circles under her eyes. It took him right back to their grad school days, grinding on projects under their advisor’s guidance./

A wave of emotion stirred inside him.

Brianna stayed laser–focused, grabbing a simple company lunch before powering through the afternoon.

By the time she’d cleared up all her queries, it was way past closing time.

Feeling apologetic, she suggested treating the team to dinner, but Clair just chuckled. “If anyone’s hosting, it’s me. You’re the guest here. Can’t have you footing the bill on my watch.”

She said, “You’ve all put in so much effort today. It’s the least I can do.”

“Save it for when I’m in Klamdiff, you can really wine and dine me then. Tonight’s on me.”

Clair thoughtfully gathered the core team and roped in a few influential industry contacts to help her build connections. Amid the clinking glasses and lively chatter, the hours flew by.

It was well into the night when Clair finally dropped Brianna back at the hotel.

He wouldn’t hear of leaving her at the door, so he walked her to the elevator. As they crossed the lobby, the buzz from the day’s work still had her radiating energy.

They paused at the elevator, ready to part ways, when a figure sauntered up from behind Clair.

Out of the corner of her eye, Brianna caught sight of him, and her smile vanished.

Clair turned and locked eyes with a sharply dressed man radiating a frosty vibe, his stare drilling into Brianna, deep and inscrutable as the sea.

“What are you doing here?” Brianna cleared her throat, flustered.

Clair looked back and forth between them, confused.

The man casually sidled up to her, his gaze icy and appraising as he eyed Clair like prey.

Chapter 16 Encounter with an Old Friend

She said, “This is Brandon. And this is Clair Salazar, my senior from grad school. He’s the design director for Dexter Gems

#ranna swallowed her annoyance and made the introductions with poise.

“Ah, Mr. Salazar, impressive for someone so young.” Brandon offered a handshake.

Clair forced an awkward smile. He thought, ‘Next to this guy, ‘young and impressive‘ felt like a joke!

Brandon’s piercing stare was too much, Clair just wanted out.

He said, “Mr. Levy, pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot. Brianna said she was here solo, so I walked her in to be safe. Since you’re around, I’ll take off.”

He nodded goodbye and beat a hasty retreat.

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