Read Online Vanished Without A Trace by Nava Dijkstra - Free Book Online Page B

first time he was there. Daniel led them to a guest room. There, marketing agents were sitting at the table, waiting for potential customers to sign on to the project. Each guest received an updated plan and description of the construction phases from the receptionists. The impression of the model project also did its job.
    Daniel stood before them, tall and charismatic. He explained the idea in a captivating and purposeful manner. They were captured by a young man full of energy who talked to them in fluent English, savored with sweet remarks. It was hard not to like Daniel who always seemed to have a spark of joy that glowed at the edge of his lips. His personality indeed helped him to earn the trust of the people just as Sultana had claimed in the past. His eyes automatically turned to Sultana, who was busy arranging the buffet, though she came as a guest and it was not her role. He stifled a laugh when he saw she spoiled the arrangement of the table while trying to make it more beautiful in her own way. His eyes fell to a woman standing right next to Sultana. She was distant from everyone but was attentive to his words. He looked at her so many times. There was something more in the details of her beauty that he couldn’t figure it out. She was like a breath of fresh air in this race. It was clear to him that she was older than him and he tried to guess a number. When he finished his explanation, he stepped off and gave the mayor of Brasov the honour of giving his speech. He knew how important it was to bring people of his status to the meeting. The mayor tried to explain to the guests about the place and the profitability of investing in the project. The future success of the project was supposed to be his success. The idea to turn a deserted mountain into an attractive ski site absolutely attracted him. The mayor's remarks captured the confidence of the investors. He spoke as a politician and his words about the vision of turning the place into a thriving tourist town were certainly convincing, especially since Romania intended to join the European Union. He finished his speech with these lines "It seems like a dream at the moment, but if this happens, no one will regret investing here."
    After the explanations, the guests were invited to access the buffet and enjoy the food. The pianist at the corner pleasantly and relaxingly accompanied the event. Daniel saw the reception tables being filled. People signed. There were some visitors who wanted to get more details but Daniel sent them to talk with the company lawyer. The woman he saw earlier was now talking with someone and Daniel wondered if he was her husband. If so, what was the meaning of the direct gaze she gave him? Even at the moment, when he looked at her, she still gave him unexplained glances.
    At the end of the gathering, Daniel had enough contracts in his hands to finish the project, but the advance payment from the investors was just enough to cover his expenses for now. He hoped to find some more funds to continue the project until it was finished or at least until he could get the rest of the payments the buyers promised.
    He looked at the exception papers the agents gave him to review. There were people who demanded very high standards and were willing to pay the entire cost. Daniel was pleased. This would allow him to upgrade the place and give a more luxurious look would raise its value. He collected the papers quickly, sent a last look at the woman and headed back to his apartment in Constanza, where he threw himself on the bed and slept until morning. He woke up happy. "I love you Romania!" He screamed. He felt he was powerful. He was surprised to hear the intercom call so early in the morning. The guard at the entrance informed him a woman was in the lobby and wanted to see him for business matters. He looked through his intercom camera and smiled with satisfaction. This was the woman from yesterday. She was beautiful and dressed with