The Life we never Planned

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

HIS POV

Three o'clock came faster than I expected.

I was finishing a call when my assistant reminded me about the meeting.

"Angela is here."

I looked at the clock.

"Send her in."

A few seconds later, the door opened.

She walked in carrying a folder and her laptop.

"Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon."

She sat across from me.

I noticed she looked tired.

Not enough to complain about it, but enough for me to notice.

"Long day?"

She glanced at me.

"Very."

I nodded and opened the folder.

"Let's see what you've done."

She pushed the documents toward me.

"I made a few changes to the projected costs. I also found two suppliers who can give us better rates."

I looked through the pages.

The numbers were good.

Better than good, actually.

"You've cut the projected expenses by twelve percent."

"I can cut it further."

I looked up.

"How?"

She pointed at one of the figures.

"We're spending too much on transportation. If we use a different distribution route, we'll save money without affecting delivery time."

I studied the proposal.

She was right.

"Who suggested this?"

"I did."

"I know."

She smiled slightly.

"Then why did you ask?"

"I wanted to hear you say it."

She shook her head.

"You enjoy testing people."

"Sometimes."

"Well, I don't enjoy being tested."

"But you keep passing."

That made her laugh.

It was brief, but I noticed it.

She quickly returned her attention to the documents.

"We still have a problem with the local partners."

"I've handled it."

Her eyebrows lifted.

"Already?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"I removed the ones who were taking advantage of the agreement."

She looked at me for a moment.

"You just removed them?"

"They were given an opportunity. They wasted it."

She nodded slowly.

"Fair enough."

We continued discussing the expansion for almost an hour.

For the first time, the meeting didn't feel like a negotiation between a powerful chairman and a young businesswoman trying to prove herself.

It felt easier.

Natural.

Angela wasn't trying to impress me anymore.

She was simply doing her job.

And I liked that.

When she closed her laptop, I looked at her.

"There's something else."

She waited.

"I want you to attend the investors' dinner next week."

She frowned.

"Why?"

"Because some of the people you'll need to work with will be there."

"Is it necessary?"

"Yes."

She thought about it.

"Fine."

"Good."

She stood.

"I'll see you next week, then."

I watched her walk toward the door.

"Angela."

She turned.

"Yes?"

"Don't work tonight."

She stared at me.

"I have work to do."

"I know."

"Then why tell me not to work?"

"Because you're already tired."

She smiled faintly.

"I'll decide that."

Then she walked out.

I couldn't help smiling.

She really did have an answer for everything.