Revenge After Betrayed

Chapter.4

Chapter 4

Maria sat at the end of the meeting table, calmly opening the folder of her contract. Yet inside, her heart was pounding fast.

The presentation slides appeared on the screen. She reached for the pointer, and with a steady voice she began to explain,

“This project may seem small in the eyes of many, Mr. Arthur. But we do not view it from the perspective of quick profit. We see long-term potential, stability, sustainability, and an impact far greater than mere numbers. Furthermore, I guarantee this project carries only a five percent risk of failure.”

Maria began to explain in detail the project she would develop together with Ethan’s company. Even the five percent failure rate was elaborated thoroughly—something almost impossible to predict by anyone, even an economics master. Because in truth, the possibility of failure was nearly invisible.

However, Ethan’s gaze pierced her from across the table. The man leaned back casually in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the wooden surface, as though assessing Maria’s every move.

Occasionally, their eyes met. And every time it happened, Maria felt her whole body lose its breath. There was a cold yet magnetic aura she could not explain.

“You are bold to present a projection of this scale, especially when your company is clearly unknown,” Ethan said, his tone flat but heavy with pressure.

Some of the staff seated at the sides of the room exchanged glances, worried that Maria might falter.

But instead, Maria gave a faint smile and straightened her posture. “Precisely because we are not a major player, Sir, we dare to take risks that large companies would never take. We have no reason to fail. Everything has been calculated very carefully.”

The room fell silent again. Everyone waited for Ethan’s reaction.

The man did not answer immediately. He only stared at Maria longer, sharper, as if searching for a flaw. Then, slowly, he raised an eyebrow and leaned back into his chair with an unreadable expression.

“Interesting,” he murmured softly. “Very… interesting.”

Maria felt her throat dry. Yet at the same time, there was a sense of satisfaction for making Ethan Arthur say that word—a great progress no one had ever achieved before.

Behind his cold gaze, there was something different. As if Ethan Arthur had just discovered someone daring enough to challenge him directly.

Ethan clasped his hands together on the table, then leaned slightly forward. His sharp eyes made the room feel smaller than before.

“Well then, Miss Maria.” His voice was deep, calm, but carried a firmness that made everyone hold their breath. “Tell me… if this project fails completely, who will bear the loss?”

Maria knew it was no ordinary question. It was a test.

Steadily, she replied, “The company, Sir. According to the contract, the company will bear one hundred percent of the loss. Should there be no profit, your company will not be harmed.”

Ethan did not blink. “Do you realize you are talking about losses in the trillions? Not a toy figure for a small company.”

Maria gave a faint smile, holding back the tension eating at her. “I do, Sir. That is precisely why I am standing here. If I feared numbers, I would never be sitting at this table, facing you directly.”

The room went still. Even the staff present lowered their heads, not daring to look at the scene.

Ethan stared at Maria even longer. His lips curved into a faint smile—whether mocking or admiring, no one could tell.

“Your courage almost sounds like arrogance,” he said quietly.

Maria straightened her shoulders, replying without hesitation, “And your dismissive attitude sounds like a threat. But I suppose… that is your trademark, isn’t it?”

Several staff members widened their eyes in shock. No one had ever dared to challenge Ethan Arthur’s words like that.

For a moment, Ethan was silent. Then he gave a short laugh—cold, yet distinctly genuine.

“Very interesting, Miss Maria,” he said, his eyes gleaming with an expression difficult to interpret. “I like a woman with courage. How old are you?”

Maria felt slightly relieved, yet even more cautious. From the way Ethan looked at her, she knew one thing for certain: this was only the beginning.

“Twenty-five, Sir.”

Ethan nodded. “Still very young, and far too bold. How long have you worked in this company?”

Ethan did not even know the name of the company seeking partnership with him. So how could he possibly accept Maria’s presence?

“I have worked here for three years, Sir. I started as an operator, then was promoted to supervisor,” Maria explained briefly.

Although she worked in her husband’s company, Maria had started everything from the ground up. Even with her work achievements, her current position was only that of a supervisor.

Ethan almost laughed—how could a company requesting partnership with him send someone considered so low-level? Yet, seeing Maria’s brilliance left him impressed.

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Mau aku lanjut bantuin terjemahin Bab 5 juga dengan gaya yang sama, biar konsisten alurnya dalam bahasa Inggris?