Chapter 15 - The European Expansion
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The partnership with Sterling Global proved to be a massive, immediate success.
Six months after signing the agreement, Claire flew to London to officially launch the European sector of their sustainable energy initiative.
The launch event was held in a historic, opulent ballroom in Mayfair. Claire stood near the front of the room, speaking animatedly with a group of European ministers, elegantly navigating the complex political landscape with practiced ease.
David Sterling approached her later in the evening, holding two glasses of champagne.
"You completely charmed the French energy minister," David noted, handing her a glass. "He usually hates American corporate executives."
"I simply reminded him that our infrastructure plans align perfectly with his recent campaign promises regarding carbon reduction," Claire smiled, taking a sip. "Politicians are easy to manage when you understand what they need to survive."
David laughed, clinking his glass against hers. "You are terrifyingly good at this, Claire."
"I had excellent training in managing difficult egos," Claire replied dryly, a subtle reference to her past.
They stood together near the edge of the ballroom, watching the crowd. The professional partnership between them had deepened into a genuine, mutual respect. David was challenging, brilliant, and completely transparent in his dealings—everything Adrian had pretended to be.
"I am flying to Berlin tomorrow to oversee the facility construction," David said, turning to look at her. "I was hoping you might join me. We need to finalize the lobbying strategy for the German parliament."
Claire considered the offer. Her schedule was packed, and she missed Noah terribly, even though he was perfectly safe back home with Elena and his nanny.
But looking at David, she realized she genuinely wanted to go. She wasn't running away from anything; she was actively stepping toward something new.
"I will have my assistant rearrange my schedule," Claire decided, a small, genuine smile touching her lips. "Berlin sounds productive."
May you like
David’s eyes lit up with clear appreciation. "Excellent. My jet leaves at 8:00 AM."
As David walked away to speak with another investor, Claire took a deep breath of the crisp, elegant air. She was in a foreign city, building a massive international coalition, entirely on her own terms. The quiet, submissive wife who painted watercolors in the penthouse was gone forever. The CEO had arrived.
