Dave leaned in now, closing the gap slightly. "A partnership. Combining our resources to create something far more advanced than anything currently on the market. I'm sure you've considered possibilities beyond transportation—think enhancements, a new era of technology that can elevate humanity itself. And if anyone could make that happen, it's us."
Emma regarded him carefully, her expression unreadable for a moment. She was clearly intrigued but cautious. "You're ambitious, Mr. Garcia. But you haven't fully answered my question—what exactly do you want from me?"
Dave smirked. "For now? Just an open line of communication. Let's see where this leads. After all, I have a feeling our paths are meant to cross in more ways than one."
Emma reclined back slightly, folding her arms, her gaze unwavering. "I see. Well, I do appreciate boldness. Let's keep that line open, then. I'll be watching your rise closely, Mr. Garcia."
Dave nodded, satisfied with the outcome of the meeting so far. As he stood up to leave, he flashed her one last smile. "I have a feeling this is the start of something interesting, Ms. Frost."
Emma's lips curved into a knowing smile. "We'll see, Mr. Garcia. We'll see."
"By the way are you free tonight?" Dave asked flashing a smile.
"I am," Emma was stunned for a moment but then nodded.
"Then how about we go out for dinner tonight?" Dave asked, looking at her.
"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Garcia," Emma replied with a charming smile.
"Please, call me Dave. Can I call you Emma too?" Dave asked, gazing at her.
"Hm, but I—"
"Please, I insist," Dave said, cutting her off.
"Very well," Emma nodded, accepting.
"Then I'll see you tonight," Dave said as he began to leave. Meanwhile, Diana shot a glare at Emma, her expression like someone who felt their food had been stolen.
Dave flashed one final smile at Emma before turning to leave, feeling the intensity of Diana's glare at his side. He could practically feel the heat radiating off of her as they made their way toward the elevator.
Diana, her arms crossed, huffed under her breath, her usual clumsy demeanor giving way to a rare streak of frustration. "She's too smooth. I don't like her," Diana muttered, loud enough for Dave to hear but low enough to avoid being outright rude.
Dave chuckled as the elevator doors closed. "Jealous much?" he teased, looking down at her with an amused glint in his eyes.
Diana shot him a sharp look, her lips pressing into a pout. "Not jealous! I just... don't trust her. She gives off that vibe, you know? Like she's always two steps ahead, and I don't want you getting wrapped up in something shady!"
Dave smiled softly at Diana's concern. "I get it, Diana. But you don't need to worry. I'm not going in blind. Emma Frost is a powerful player, but so am I." He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Besides, it's just dinner. Nothing more, nothing less... for now."
Diana didn't seem entirely convinced, but she sighed and leaned back, clearly resigned to the situation. "Fine. Just... don't let her steal all your attention, okay?"
Dave smirked. "You know that's impossible."
The elevator chimed, reaching the ground floor as the doors slid open. Dave and Diana stepped out, walking toward their car, but Diana couldn't shake the lingering suspicion she had about Emma. Though outwardly charming, she couldn't help but feel that Emma Frost was playing a deeper game than she let on.
As Dave settled into the driver's seat and Diana in the passenger seat, he gave her a quick glance. "You sure you'll be alright tonight without me?"
Diana huffed dramatically. "Since, when did I need you for a night?" But she quickly added, "Just don't forget who's got your back, okay?"
Dave smiled, starting the car. "I wouldn't dream of it."
****
Emma Frost stood by the large window, her gaze fixed on Dave's car as it drove away. She watched for a moment longer before turning back and sinking into her chair. Her eyes gleamed with a calculating glint as she contemplated her company's precarious situation.
"His presence was almost too good to be true," she muttered to herself.
Unbeknownst to Dave, Frost International was quietly teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Especially after Stark Industries announced their shift from weapons to technology, companies like Frost International had begun to lose their value. Tony Stark's genius and the public's faith in his vision were siphoning away potential investors from others, including Emma's own company.
"It figures," she sighed, tapping her fingers against the desk. "I was considering going to Adrienne for funds, but it looks like I no longer need to grovel to that bitch." Emma's lips curled in a slight smirk as she picked up her phone and dialed a close associate.
"I need a dress that can make a man fall head over heels for me," she said matter-of-factly.
"...Are you drunk?" came the surprised voice from the other end.
"Just get me the dress," Emma responded, her tone sharp, cutting off any further protests.
"Sheesh! The sun must have risen in the west today—Emma Frost, interested in a man?" her friend teased dramatically.
"Are you helping me or not?" Emma snapped, her voice laced with a hint of icy authority.
"Alright, alright. I'll be over at your place later. Let me grab something that'll make you so beautiful that a lot of tents will rise begore any one know it," her friend replied playfully, ending the call with a laugh.
Emma rolled her eyes but smiled to herself, nodding as she began to put things in order. She had a plan, and soon enough, she'd make sure her next move was just as flawless as she appeared.
Taking care of all work and explaining rest of the work to her secretory she began to leave the office and drive back to her home, reaching there she found her friend waiting for her.
****
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'My Charity System Made me Too OP'
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