A LIE WORTH TELLING

CHAPTER FIVE

Luke smiles gratefully. "Thanks, Ma'am, you're the best. I owe you one. I'll make it up to you when this deal goes through - we'll celebrate in style."

As they walk into the room, all eyes turn to them expectantly. Emma gives Luke a subtle nod and steps back to let him take center stage.

"Alright, team, let me tell you about this game-changing project," Luke says with a confident smile. "We're talking next-level technology, advanced analytics, and a whole new way of doing business. It's gonna be a game-changer, and we're gonna be leading the charge. "The potential for growth here is off the charts, and I'm talking about explosive growth. The kind of growth that makes your jaw drop and your competitors weep. And the best part? We're not just here to talk about the technology. We're talking about the impact it's gonna have on the industry.

We're gonna be disrupting the market and revolutionizing the way things are done. This is the kind of stuff that'll get you into the history books, folks."

Luke pauses for a moment letting his words sink in." Then he continued, he was very bold talking and also showing everything how it works on the TV in front of him. Everyone was very impressed at how he was talking especially Emma. After he finished Emma went to the stage and sold the idea totally to the bank and they ended up signing off the deal.

Emma approached Luke as soon as the presentation was over, a beaming smile on her face. "That was incredible," she said "You absolutely killed it. The way you presented the idea, the way you engaged the audience, the way you made them see the potential... it was just flawless."

"Thanks, Ma'am" he said forcing a smile "It was all in a day's work."

"Now we celebrate" Emma said

"You bet we celebrate!" Luke exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "I'm thinking drinks, dancing, maybe a little karaoke? We earned it!"

"Karaoke, huh?" Emma raised an eyebrow. "You're not planning on subjecting us to your rendition of 'Don't Stop Believin' again, are you?" "No promises," Luke said, laughing. "But I can guarantee that the night is gonna be epic."

"Well for the moment get back to work, we still have a lot to do today. This one is just the first win for the day" Emma said to Luke

Luke headed to his office immediately he got in there he's mood changed. Last night troubles still lingers in his head and he's starting to get tired of working here.

He sat down at his desk, trying to focus on work, but his mind kept wandering. He thought about the long hours, the mounting pressure, the feeling that he was always falling behind. He loved what he did, but sometimes it just felt like too much. He couldn't shake the sense that there had to be more to life than just work.

Then his phone beeped it was a message from Scott apologizing about last night about the fight and everything.

"Hey man, about last night... I'm really sorry. I know things got heated and I shouldn't have said what I did to the man and start the fight. It was out of line and I regret it. Can we talk about it? I don't want things to be weird between us again"

Luke ignored it as he typed aimlessly on his Laptop. As he was doing that there was a knock on his door. It was Emma's PA "Hey Lukyyy....the boss wanna see you now" she said

"Oh great, just what I need," Luke muttered. "Hey, I just wanted to say congratulations on the presentation again" she said, gesturing for him to sit down. "You really knocked it out of the park. The board was impressed."

Luke blinked in surprise. "Uh, thanks?" he said, half-expecting a "but" to follow.

"Well we've been getting some really big news since after that pitch from you" she said "You will be going to Norway with me to finalize the deal. The Bank requested your presence"

"Whoa!" Luke exclaimed "Are you serious? Norway? I've never even left the country! I mean, I'll need to make sure I pack the right stuff, like... thermal underwear. And a compass. And a survival kit! Oh, and snacks. Definitely snacks." He was practically vibrating with excitement.

Emma couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you're all set. But first, I need you to do something for me. Can you please keep this quiet for now?" Emma requested

"Absolutely," Luke said, nodding earnestly. "My lips are sealed. Or zipped. Or duct-taped shut, if necessary." He did a zipping motion across his mouth for added effect.

Emma chuckled again. "Thank you, Luke. I knew I could count on you. I'll fill you in on all the details later, but for now, let's just enjoy the fact that you're about to have the adventure of a lifetime." She gave him a wink

Luke returned to his office still not happy, all he was just doing was faking a smile and pretending to be happy infront of Emma.