Balfour wrapped up the contract signing with the Arab chief in the conference room, both standing up for a friendly handshake farewell.
Before leaving, the Arab chief had some words for Balfour.
Balfour, not speaking a lick of Arabic, tilted his head and turned to Ellinor, his translator, asking, "What's he saying?"
With a professional smile, Ellinor replied, "Mr. Howard, this collaboration was a blast for the gentleman. He hopes that the next decade will continue with friendly cooperation with the Howard Group. They love doing business with a sincere, responsible, and easy-going company like the Howard Group, unlike other stodgy companies."
Balfour was taken aback. The usually high-and-mighty Arab corporation rarely showed such warmth.
Could this all be because Ellinor's killer translation skills had made the client super pleased?
Balfour pondered for a moment, then returned the customer's smile and told Ellinor, "Tell him we're also looking forward to the next decade."
Ellinor relayed the message in Arabic, adding a humorous touch.
The chief laughed heartily, gave Balfour and Ellinor a big bear hug, waved, and merrily left with his entourage.
Balfour was pleased with this outcome and looked at Ellinor with a trace of admiration in his eyes. "Ms. Mendoza, see the client off."
Balfour's command took Ellinor by surprise, but she quickly got the message and smiled, "Sure thing, Mr. Howard."
She was officially a part of the Howard Group.
After seeing off the client and returning to the building, Balfour had already left the company.
Quinton led her to a spot near the entrance of the CEO's office and said, "This'll be your workstation. Mr. Howard will call you by intercom if he needs anything. Don't enter his office unless he calls for you. Got it?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Kiss that Sparked it All