Not An Heir

CHAPTER TWO

The conference room is spacious and modern, with a minimalist design that exudes elegance and professionalism. The walls are painted in a calming shade of blue, providing a sense of tranquility to the space. The room is well-lit, with natural light streaming in from the large windows, which offer a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The centerpiece of the room is a large, oval-shaped table made of polished wood, surrounded by comfortable leather chairs. The table is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a video conferencing system, projectors, and microphones, to facilitate seamless communication between the attendees, even those joining remotely. The walls are adorned with inspiring artwork and posters, adding an element of creativity to the space. Soft background music plays, creating a peaceful ambiance that enhances productivity.

The room also features a refreshment area, stocked with an assortment of snacks and beverages, to ensure that everyone stays energized throughout the meeting. Overall, the meeting room is designed to make everyone feel comfortable, engaged, and inspired, fostering a collaborative environment that enables both companies to achieve their objectives.

David is seated beside Jackson, and the other stakeholders from both companies each take their respective seats.

The lights in the conference room dim as Daphne and her team step to the front of the stage, each wearing a stylish outfit that embodies the essence of the minivan they are about to present. Daphne begins to speak in her smooth, confident voice, captivating the attention of the stakeholders. The team members, each holding a different piece of clothing or accessory, take turns describing the unique features of the minivan-inspired fashion line.

As they speak, the stage lights up with images and videos of the minivan in action, showing how the fashion style and vehicle design complement each other perfectly. The music swells with excitement, and the stakeholders can’t help but nod their heads in agreement as they begin to see the vision that Daphne and her team have brought to life. By the end of the presentation, everyone is buzzing with energy and excitement, eager to see this groundbreaking fashion line hit the shelves and the minivan in the market.

“Great presentation, Daphne,” Jackson complimented after everyone had left the room.

“Thank you, sir,” she said, disgust finding its way to leave her face. “Although you didn’t think I’d do so well, sir,” she said, stopping to arrange her papers in a file. She stood firm, her arms crossed, and her chin held high as if she were a castle with walls of steel.

“Daphne dear, I think you have me confused. Is this about the conversation in my office earlier today?”

She affirmed with her well-shaped, deep black eyebrows, still maintaining her prior body language.

“Sir, you knew I had a presentation coming up and needed to be in the best frame of mind. Instead, you chose to make me feel like my ideas were crap”. Her eyes narrowed with determination, and her words were measured and deliberate, like a skilled archer aiming at a distant target.

Daphne was the kind to not hold back her words when pushed. Even to the chairman of her company, she would express herself however it made her feel good. This was not the first time she had been “open” to Jackson. He knew better than to be brusque with Daphne in that mood.

“Exactly! But you did well, didn’t you?”

“No thanks to you”. Though she was surrounded by the polished wood and sleek lines of the conference room, she seemed to stand apart, like a lone warrior on a battlefield.

***

Ms. Lawson’s heart sank as soon as she realized the debit card was missing. It was like watching a balloon slip out of her grasp and float away, out of reach. She knew she had to act fast before the situation got out of control, but her thoughts were scattered like a flock of birds in flight. As she made her way back to the house, she felt like she was walking on eggshells. Each step felt like a fragile shell cracking underfoot, threatening to shatter at any moment. She knew she had to face her madam, but the thought of it made her stomach twist like a corkscrew.

When she finally entered the house, she found her madam sitting in the living room, looking calm and collected. It was like she was a statue, unmoving and unyielding. The maid took a deep breath and approached her madam, feeling like she was about to jump off a cliff into an abyss. She explained what happened and apologized, feeling like a bird with clipped wings, unable to fly. Her madam listened patiently, like a wise owl perched on a branch. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, like a river flowing gently downstream.

“Ms. Lawson, you forgot the debit card here. It’s not lost. It’s over the table there.” She pointed to the table adjacent to her position. “I didn’t know you had gone to get the shoe. I would have called. When I saw the debit card on the table, I assumed you had gone out for other reasons.”

Ms. Lawson blushed with embarrassment, feeling like a mouse caught in a trap. She apologized sheepishly, feeling like a child who had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Her madam continued to tease her, like a jester entertaining a court. “I guess we’ll have to start calling you forgetful Lawson from now on,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye.

Despite feeling a little embarrassed, she couldn’t help but laugh along with her madam. It was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and she felt like a bird soaring above the clouds.

“Don’t worry, Lawson. We all have our forgetful moments.” Sofia said with a grin and her million-dollar smile. She smiled back, feeling grateful to have such a kind and understanding madam.