Adam had hoped that the morning would bring a more amiable Miss Ishida. However, as he entered the hotel restaurant, her tight-lipped expression told him otherwise. The early hour, reserved just for them, was a testament to her influence. He mused about the power of the corporate world as he approached her. 

The restaurant was a delightful blend of vintage charm and eclectic decor. Faded artworks, old advertisements, and trinkets from various journeys adorned the space. Mismatched furniture added to its quirky appeal. Beyond the glass windows, a courtyard showcased tall palms surrounding a pristine pool, offering a serene view.

Amidst this rustic appeal, Yui was waiting at a table, the embodiment of corporate elegance. Her sharp attire stood out, making her seem like a sophisticated bird trapped in a homely setting. Her focus remained on her tablet, undisturbed by the surroundings or Adam's presence. The juxtaposition of her modern, sleek appearance against the restaurant's vintage backdrop was striking.

“Good sleep?" Adam greeted her with a smile, his casual demeanor contrasting her evident displeasure from the previous evening.

"Not really," Yui responded, her fingers wrapped around her coffee cup. Her face was etched with displeasure. "The walls here are paper-thin, our delivery got delayed, and they lack gluten-free or vegan options."

 Adam raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting from her to the buffet spread. "Are you vegan or gluten-intolerant?"

She shook her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "No, but they should cater to everyone."

Adam chuckled, "So, you're advocating for hypothetical guests now?"

She sighed, her patience thinning. "It's about being considerate."

He stood, heading to the buffet. "And are you being considerate to them?" he called over his shoulder. When he returned, his plate was a mountain of eggs, and he had a beer in hand.

"This hotel has a staff and an owner who've invested in it. Don't they deserve some understanding?" he asked, taking a sip of his beer.

Yui's eyes flashed with indignation. "Are you implying I'm a hypocrite?"

Her gaze shifted from Adam's beer to his face, her disapproval evident. His relaxed demeanor, in contrast to her growing frustration, was infuriating.

Adam, seemingly unaffected by her anger, replied, "In essence, yes. Do people usually tiptoe around you because you're the boss's daughter?" He began eating, clearly unbothered by the tension.

Yui's face turned a shade redder, her eyes narrowing. "Watch your words, Mister Stroe," she warned, her voice firm. 

Adam countered, "You were dismissive of the hotel staff and set up a meeting after a long travel day. When I suggested dinner to get to know each other, you left abruptly. That's not flirting; that's trying to establish rapport."

"You've been inappropriate since we boarded the plane. After landing, you continued your advances. You claimed fatigue, yet I heard you return late, disturbing my rest. Your lack of consideration is obvious."

Adam simply shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “Well, what can I say, I've always been a rebel."

"Your rebellion is unprofessional and childish. Act your age." She concluded briskly.

"Did any of that happen during business hours?"

"Every hour is a business hour during a business trip,"

Adam continued eating, seemingly unfazed. "You haven't responded to why you feel insulted by the alleged flirting."

Her posture stiffened; her arms crossed. "You do not flirt with your boss."

"To me, Takeo is my boss. And I only flirt with him if we've had enough palinka."

Yui's expression darkened, her patience wearing thin. "Can you finish your beer so we can get to work? I don’t wish to hear about your inappropriate behavior around my father."

Adam's laughter faded as he regarded her. "I thought you said the transport is late. What's the hurry?"

She gasped in scandalized frustration at his inability to read the room. "Our jobs depend on this!"

Adam casually took another bite from his pastry. "Did anyone threaten to fire you?"

"Of course not, but it's obvious, isn't it?"

"Not in my book. If you can't make the sale, it's on you, not on my team. And Takeo won't fire his only offspring."

Yui's grip tightened on her coffee cup, her voice slightly shaky. "I am NOT relying on my father. And you are one  to talk, I've met your team, they need a firmer hand."

His eyebrows raised in surprise. "You’ve met my team? When?"

"Online meeting when you so elegantly responded...and I quote, 'Out of office, going hiking with my dogs."

"That was exactly what I was doing. Don't you appreciate honesty?"

"I appreciate hard work. How do you expect your team to respect you and give their best?"

Adam shrugged. "You appreciate hard work; I appreciate good results. Basic difference."

"And how are your team's results? I haven't seen a report yet."

"You're supposed to sell this and you claim you have no idea how it went? Which one of us is unprofessional?"

Yui's eyes flashed with irritation. "I think you are crossing the line, Mr. Stroe."

His laughter filled the space between them. "Oh yeah, I'm a professional line crosser. Pleased to meet you, boss."

She took a moment to compose herself, exploring the buffet before returning with a plate. "At least it's good to see that the staff here is incredibly friendly," she said, her voice softer. "And culturally diverse."

"That so? What happened?" He asked, genuinely curious.

"The chef came to check if everything was in order... and he asked me if I like curry. I believe he is Indian."

Adam's eyes twinkled with mischief. "That's a new one. And what did you say?"

"I said yes, I was polite. What else could I say? He said he will make some one day."

"And you want the Indian dude to make you some? Because you just claimed my flirting with you was a capital insult."

Yui elegantly flaked her mini croissant so she could take smaller bites. "Excuse me, what does flirting have to do with curry?"

"You didn't realize that was flirting, but you accuse me of flirting for being a decent guy?"

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Nonsense, he was not flirting with me, he is old enough to be my father."

"And? Do you think your father doesn't flirt?"

"Not with women my age," she retorted, her voice filled with indignation.

"No?" Adam raised his eyebrows, but didn't otherwise comment. Checking his watch, he remarked, "Looks like you'll be late, Miss Ishida."

She checked her own watch and stood up abruptly. "If we are late, I blame you entirely, Mister Stroe. We need to order a taxi and leave. Now."