82 Underestimated Brilliance

Alex sat at the dinner table, his mind still processing the events of the evening. It had been intended as a simple dinner to solidify partnerships, but the atmosphere had shifted unexpectedly. With a hint of annoyance, he reflected on how his plans to discuss business were thwarted. "I didn't even feel comfortable bringing it up. I didn't want to make her think I was only after her connections." As the evening unfolded, Alex remained a background figure, blending into the shadows while Tom Gelding, visibly flustered, tried unsuccessfully to steer the conversation towards business. The agenda he had meticulously prepared remained untouched, forcing him to reconsider another meeting. He couldn’t help but question his decision to present Emma with flowers, wondering if it had been too forward. "Why did you send her flowers in the first place?" Tom Gelding inquired, still fixated on the incident. Emma’s ease and grace in refusing the gesture had left a lasting impression. Alex fo