Chapter 1

                                        

                                              
Zoe
In business, success was all about finding the right opportunities. And finally, an opportunity knocked on my door.
I stepped inside the old castle-like London mansion the chauffeur had just dropped me off at, glancing up at the shiny crystal chandelier and the towering paintings lining the stone walls. The carpet was plush under my feet, and the air smelled of aged wood. 
The place exuded elegance and historical significance.
I closed my eyes and forced a deep, calming breath.
No matter what it took, I was going to close a deal with John Somersby this week. The future of my company depended on it. 
"Welcome to the Somersby Estate, Miss Stavrakos." A cheerful middle-aged man with gray-streaked hair and a mustache greeted me. "I'm Edgar Alexander Allan Poe. Not the renowned poet nor a relative, but the charming butler here. Just call me Edgar."
"Hello, Edgar." I smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you."
"Mr. and Mrs. Somersby are having tea on the balcony. The maid will show you the way." He gestured to the maid standing behind me, dressed in a crisp black-and-white uniform.
"That would be wonderful. Thank you," I replied and followed the maid, smoothing out the perfectly tailored beige pantsuit I'd handpicked for today.
The Somersby Estate was owned by John and his wife, Margaret. Mr. Somersby also owned the world's largest food and beverage distributor company. This year, he was sponsoring the World Food and Beverages Trade Expo held in London. 
When Mr. Somersby asked my company, Vital Harvest, to take part in the Expo and invited me to stay at his estate for the week, I was thrilled. I could showcase my healthy food products globally.
I'd been working non-stop for the past two years to build the company. Now, all I needed was to convince Mr. Somersby I was worth taking a chance on. With him on board as my distributor, I'd no longer be a niche health brand. Vital Harvest would go global!
"Zoe! Welcome to our home," called a warm feminine voice.
I saw the Somersbys seated at a balcony table. They waved and smiled. I waved back and headed to join them.
"Thank you so much for having me," I said as I reached them. 
The balcony had a beautiful view of the garden, with colorful flowers and lush greenery, suggesting a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
"We've been looking forward to meeting you," said Mrs. Somersby—a small woman with kind eyes and gray hair. Most probably in her sixties, just like her husband. She rose and gave me a light but firm handshake. 
"Come, sit down," Mr. Somersby smiled and offered me the seat next to him. He was tall with a round belly and had a big smile.  
"It was wonderful of you to invite me to your beautiful home. I really appreciate it," I said as we settled around the elegantly set table, where a perfect charcuterie board was laid out with cheese, deli meats, nuts, and fruits. On the side were some of my Vital Harvest snack bars and crackers.
"Oh, you're so sweet," Margaret exclaimed. "Please call us John and Margaret."
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I covered my awkwardness with a smile.
We exchanged pleasantries while the maid poured me a steaming cup of fragrant tea. She placed the delicate porcelain cup and saucer gently in front of me. With a polite nod, she quietly exited the balcony.
"We're quite impressed with your products," John said, crossing his arms over his chest. "We're curious to know more."
"And about the person behind it all," Margaret added.