Episode 4
537 Words
Partners Against Their Will
The conference room at the Ministry of Industry was filled with the country's most influential business leaders.
Representatives from various automobile companies sat around the massive oval table, waiting for the minister to arrive.
Kyle Larson sat at one end of the room, his expression as unreadable as ever.
Beside him stood Verona Desmond, holding a tablet filled with the day's agenda.
A few moments later, the doors opened.
Jade Jordan walked in confidently, followed by Diana Ross.
The room instantly became silent.
Business reporters whispered among themselves.
"The Cold CEO..."
"...and the Youngest Billionaire."
Jade noticed Kyle immediately.
"So, we're meeting again."
Kyle looked up from his documents.
"It appears so."
Neither smiled.
The tension between them was impossible to ignore.
Just then, the Minister entered.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming."
Everyone took their seats.
"As you all know, the government is launching the Green Future Initiative, a project aimed at designing Nigeria's safest and most environmentally friendly luxury vehicle."
The room erupted into applause.
"We have carefully selected two companies to lead this project."
The minister paused before announcing,
"Larson Automotive..."
Kyle nodded calmly.
"...and Emerald Motors."
The room fell silent.
Jade frowned.
"I'm sorry... what?"
The minister smiled.
"Your companies will work together."
"No," Jade replied immediately.
Kyle spoke at the same time.
"I decline."
Everyone stared at them.
The minister chuckled.
"I'm afraid declining isn't an option. This partnership has already been approved."
Jade folded her arms.
"My company doesn't need anyone's help."
Kyle closed his file.
"Neither does mine."
"Then we're in agreement."
"So it seems."
The minister rubbed his forehead.
"I expected this reaction."
Diana leaned toward Verona and whispered,
"This is going to be a disaster."
Verona smiled knowingly.
"Or the beginning of something neither of them expects."
---
An hour later...
Kyle and Jade were left alone in the design studio to review the project's first draft.
The silence was unbearable.
Finally, Jade spoke.
"I've reviewed your proposal."
Kyle didn't look up.
"And?"
"It lacks creativity."
Kyle calmly placed his pen on the table.
"Your proposal lacks practicality."
"It wins awards."
"It also exceeds the budget."
She narrowed her eyes.
"You really enjoy criticizing people."
"I only criticize bad ideas."
Jade stood.
"Excuse me?"
Kyle met her gaze.
"You heard me."
For a moment, it seemed as though the argument would explode.
Instead...
Diana hurried into the room.
"The minister wants both of you in the presentation hall."
Jade grabbed her folder.
"Wonderful."
As she walked past Kyle, their shoulders brushed.
Neither apologized.
---
Outside the building...
A black SUV was parked across the street.
Inside sat a man wearing a cap and dark sunglasses.
He lowered his camera after taking several photographs of Jade.
Then...
He turned the lens toward Kyle.
Click.
Click.
Click.
He picked up his phone.
"They've started working together."
A cold voice answered from the other end.
"Good."
"Continue watching them."
The call ended.
The mysterious man smiled.
"They have no idea what's coming."
Far away...
A gust of wind carried a faded bracelet hanging from Kyle's rearview mirror.
Neither Kyle nor Jade knew it yet...
But fate had already begun pulling them closer.
End of Episode 4
- Writer
