CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE - The Negotiation's End

Tanaka nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. However, we do have some concerns about the implementation and integration with existing systems. Perhaps we could discuss this further over dinner?" Claire blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. She knew that in Japanese business culture, after-hours socializing was often where the real deals were made. "I would be honored, Tanaka-san." As they filed out of the conference room, Claire felt a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. The meeting had gone well, but she knew the real work was just beginning. She had to navigate the intricacies of Japanese business etiquette while continuing to advocate for Universe X. Making her way to her hotel, Claire finally had a moment to breathe. She collapsed onto the bed, the events of the past two days catching up with her. As she lay there, staring at the ceiling, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call. Claire's face broke into a wide smile as she answered, seeing Mason's face fill the screen. He w