Eternal Bond: A Vampires Tale

CHAPTER 4: The Board Meeting

Emily's POV

I knocked nervously on Mr. Nightshades door until I heard his deep voice let me in. I walked into his cold work space with a chill.

He was standing by his document cabinet with a couple of folders laid out on the top as he checked through them.

He looked so peaceful and his muscles flexed deliciously under his shirt. His handsome face was creased in seriousness. He exhaled dangerously and ran his fingers through his hair. I swallowed slowly as I stared at him. My eyes running over his sexy figure and possibly undressing him.

"What now, Ms. Parker?", he asked irritated.

"Uhm... I... The board room is set for the meeting, Mr. Nightshade. Everyone is waiting for you"

"I'll be there. Now, get out", he scolded and I literally ran out of his office. My mind still couldn't keep the crude images of my imagination as I went to the meeting floor. He caught me checking him out. What could be more embarrassing?

The boardroom was a study in opulence, with polished mahogany tables and plush leather chairs arranged around a gleaming conference table. A large screen at the head of the room displayed intricate graphs and charts, a visual representation of the company's financial prowess.

CEO Alexander Nightshade walked in and sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of the board members gathered around him.

Clad in a perfectly tailored suit, Mr. Nightshade exuded an air of authority and confidence as he addressed the room.

"Gentlemen, I trust you've all reviewed the quarterly reports for the hotel in Miami. Now, before we proceed, I'd like to hear your thoughts on our expansion plans."

I sat quietly by his side, my fingers poised over my tablet as I took notes. I was dressed in a crisp blouse and pencil skirt, my appearance as professional as ever, but my nerves were on edge as I awaited Mr. Nightshades next move.

One of the board members, Mr. Johnson from the research departments, a portly man with a booming voice, cleared his throat and leaned forward in his chair.

"I believe our focus should be on increasing our market share in the Asia-Pacific region. The potential for growth there is immense, and I think we should capitalize on it."

Mr. Nightshade nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the room.

"An excellent suggestion, Johnson. And what about you, Ms Parker? Do you have any insights to share on the matter?"

My heart skipped a beat as all eyes turned to me, the weight of their expectations bearing down on her like a leaden weight. I racked my brain for a response, but my mind was blank, my thoughts a jumbled mess of anxiety.

"I... um..." I stammered, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as i struggled to form a coherent sentence. "I'm sorry, Mr. Nightshade. I don't have any specific insights at the moment."

A ripple of amusement spread through the room at my faltering reply, the board members exchanging knowing glances as they suppressed their laughter. Mr Nightshades lips curled into a smirk as he leaned back in his chair, his tone dripping with condescension.

"Well, Ms Parker, it seems even the best assistants have their off days," he quipped, his words like a slap in the face to my already fragile confidence. "Perhaps you should focus less on taking notes and more on staying informed in the future."

My cheeks burned with humiliation as I fought to keep my composure, my hands trembling with suppressed anger. I had worked tirelessly to support Mr. Nightshade and the board, only to be ridiculed in front of them all.

But as the laughter died down and the meeting continued, I made a silent vow to myself. I refuse to let Nightshade's rudeness define me, to allow his words to diminish my worth. I will prove him wrong, show him and the rest of the board that i was more than just a meek assistant.

With a steely resolve, I straightened my spine and focused on the task at hand, my mind already racing with plans to prove myself in the cutthroat world of corporate politics. I may have been embarrassed in the moment, but I refuse to let it be the end of my story. This was just the beginning of my journey to success.

Soon, the meeting came to an end all the board members left. Mr Nightshade waited by the door for me as I tidied up.

"You keep embarrassing me. I asked for your opinion and you could not utter a little reasonable sentence. You're not smart", I walked up to him.

"Mr. Nightshade, your question caught me off guard. I wasn't properly prepared"

"Prepared? For a meeting you organised? Does the business world look like a joke to you? Such amateur excuses will lead you to failures", he walked away with me trailing behind him.

Mr Nightshadecut strode confidently through the open-plan workspace, his sharp features set in an expression of steely determination.

I trailed behind him with a mix of trepidation and determination. My heart raced with nerves, knowing that every step I took was under Mr. Nightshades critical gaze. I clutched the stack of papers tightly to my chest, my palms clammy with anxiety.

As we approached a group of employees gathered around a conference table, Mr. Nightshades voice rang out with authority. "Ms. Parker, I need those quarterly reports on my desk by noon. And make sure they're error-free this time. We can't afford any more mistakes."

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as i nodded quickly, my voice barely a whisper. "Yes, Mr. Nightshade, I'll get right on it."

But before I could make my escape, Mr Nightshades condescending tone cut through the air like a blade. "Actually, on second thought, let me show you how it's done." With a dismissive flick of his wrist, he snatched the papers from my trembling hands and began to pick them apart with ruthless efficiency, each criticism a blow to my already fragile confidence.

The other employees watched in uncomfortable silence, their pitying gazes weighing heavily on my shoulders.

I saw my friend Michael in the crowd of people. He looked apologetic for me. He said that he would come see me.

I felt the sting of tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, but i refused to let Mr. Nightshade see my weakness. With a trembling breath, my heart pounding with a mixture of shame and indignation.

After a couple of hours of sulking in my office, it was time to go home.

I trudged up the stairs to my cozy apartment, my shoulders slumped with defeat after the humiliating board meeting. The weight of Alexander Nightshades condescending remarks still hung heavy on my mind, a constant reminder of my failure in front of the entire board.

As i pushed open the door to my apartment, i was greeted by the warm embrace of my best friend, Lily. Lily's bright smile and infectious energy were like a ray of sunshine, instantly lifting my spirits.

"Hey there, Em! How was work today?" Lily chirped, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she wrapped me in a tight hug.

I forced a weak smile, trying to hide the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "Oh, you know, the usual. Just another day in the corporate jungle."

Lily's eyes narrowed with suspicion as she studied my downcast expression. "Come on, spill the beans. What happened at work today? Did Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome give you a hard time again?"

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as i sank onto the plush couch, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "Yes, actually. Alexander was his usual charming self, belittling me in front of the entire board. I swear, sometimes I wonder why I even bother."

Lily plopped down beside me, her brows furrowing with concern. "That jerk! I can't believe he treats you like that. You deserve so much better, Em."

I sighed, the weight of my frustration pressing down on my shoulders like a leaden weight. "I know, Lily. But what can I do? He's the CEO, and I'm just his lowly assistant. It's not like I have much say in the matter."

Lily's eyes flashed with determination as she reached out to grasp my hand, her voice filled with unwavering support. "Listen to me, Emily Brooks. You are smart, capable, and worthy of respect. You don't need to put up with William's rudeness. You have the power to stand up for yourself and prove your worth, no matter what he says."

A spark of determination flickered in my eyes as I met Lily's gaze, her resolve solidifying with each word of encouragement. "You're right, Lily. I won't let Alexander's arrogance hold me back anymore. I'll show him what I'm made of, and he'll regret underestimating me."

Lily grinned, her confidence in me unwavering. "That's the spirit, Em! You've got this, and I'll be right by your side every step of the way."