Chapter4
1223 Words
Britney
"Britney Botley," a voice called and I turned my head in the direction of the voice. "Thanks for coming all the way out here despite the short notice."
Gibson was dressed in a suit and his reddish, thinning hair and eyes made him look pale. He's one of Cowell's partners and uh— we're acquainted.
"Oh," I muttered immediately. "It's fine. Mr. Cowell had an emergency and it's my duty to fill in whenever he's absent."
"You look amazing, Miss Botley. I'm sorry, I couldn't keep that to myself."
"Oh that's okay! Thank you."
I'm really glad I chose to wear one of my best outfits today of all days. It's an off-white skirt, a white silk top and grag blazers that match my heels. It’s professional-looking but also feminine. My curves aren’t exactly being advertised but they’re also not masked.
"This way please," the young man in his late thirties gestured and I smiled walking right beside him.
The place was swarming with a lot of young people dressed in cheap suits.
Conference attendees, obviously and although Cowell didn't mention why he didn't make it here; I kind of think it was intentional so he doesn't get to meet with a lot of these attendees.
"Have you been briefed about the meeting?" Mr. Gibson asked and my lips parted. "Uh— I glanced through the document."
"Well, Justice Bureau is a big firm in New York and they want a partnership. Cowell thinks it's a good one but he also wants the board of directors to make the final decision, with you of course."
I hummed in response. I honestly do not know much about this firm. I tried calling Harry to do some digging for me but we got right here on time and—
We got to the door and Mr. Gibson pulled the door open like a gentleman and I smiled in appreciation.
Stepping inside, I was welcomed by the formal ambiance. The room was big with a long table surrounded by chairs. The projector was right in front of us and the flip chart for visual presentation was also another amenity there.
I swallowed the lump in my throat when the rest of them walked in. A cute smile was about to form on my face, but I schooled my expression when the stakeholders came in.
They were five people: One elderly man, a blonde, her assistant, a lawyer, and another man, the finance manager.
They all took their seats after a small professional smile was exchanged and before I knew it, Mr. Gibson cleared his throat.
"Mr. Brown," he said looking at the man who seemed like he had the biggest share in the company. Gentlemen… please meet Miss Botley. She is a very talented young woman whose expertise is in cybersecurity. She's going to be representing Mr. Cowell."
I expected their eyes to scrutinize me immediately, searching for faults but none of that happened— they gave a nod one after the other and so I just looked at Gibson for some type of uh, moral support?
"You have this in control," he whispered to me and I gave him a small smile.
"Good day everyone," I started. "I'm excited to be here today and uh— quite honored. From what I was delegated to do, we have a lot to discuss but let me first say thank you for taking the time to be here for your valuable contributions."
I looked at Gibson and he gave another small nod encouraging me to continue. "Well, there's been a partnership pitch from uh— Justice Bureau firm and we have to access some of these before making a choice."
I reached for the file in front of me and shared it amongst them. A moment of silence followed with everyone looking at the documents in front of them.
“I like the idea. To be honest, I wasn't expecting Cowell to call a meeting because of this."
"How about we hear from the young man himself? He has a better chance at convincing the rest of us."
I swallowed hard. I had absolutely no idea who the man they were talking about is, but just then, Gibson stood up and walked to the door.
I looked back at the document, scanning to find any important details that I may have missed but the creaking of the door stopped me.
"Mr. Volvo."
My heart skipped when I turned immediately and Adrian was standing right there.
What the f**k!?
I was on the verge of a heart attack.. His eyes locked with mine and a wave of shock crossed his face but he was definitely not as shocked as me.
"Thank you," he muttered, breaking the eye contact. "I am Adrian Volvo, the Chief Executive Officer of Justice Bureau Firm."
He kept talking, explaining every damn thing he had but I was lost... lost in my thoughts, wondering how the hell it is my ex-husband who is here.
Aside from being deathly attractive, he had that charismatic intelligence… the more he talked the more he captivated you, hypnotized you and s**t, I was getting so uneasy.
“I like the idea, Mr. Volvo. To be honest, I was expecting the same cliche pitch, like most of the other companies offered us but this is new," the blonde stated adjusting her glasses.
I watched him closely, concealing every damn emotion I was feeling.
"It's new because I had my people do a comprehensive research on this. This collaboration can also lead to a steady stream of clients and enhance this company's reputation and credibility."
Everyone seemed impressed when they saw how it would look.
"We have to vote," The elderly man announced. "In support?" He called, raising his hand to show his support. Mr. Gibson raised his hand and then the finance manager joined.
"Against?" He called again and the rest three raised their hands.
"We have three against three," he proclaimed.
"Miss Botley is yet to vote," Mr. Gibson said and my heart squeezed.
All eyes turned to me but I could feel the heat of someone’s gaze on me. I glanced up and Adrian's eyes searched mine immediately.
Everything about him reeked of wealth— damnit. His suit is obviously expensive and beautifully cut. A far cry from the polyester Brad and his cronies favor.
Adrian's lips parted and rose in a sinful manner. "Yes, Whitney— you are yet to vote."
My heart crushed again as he c****d an eyebrow. My knees were getting weak but all I had to do was remind myself that this man here ruined me.
Suddenly, I felt the urge to take revenge. I had the power to make this meeting go either in his favor or against him. I thought about it, balling my fist.
"Miss Botley?" The blonde woman called and I shook my head back into consciousness.
"Uh—" I paused again and looked back at Adrian. Merely voting against him is not enough. I need him to feel the pain from a closer proximity.
"I'm for him," I answered calmly.
"Great! Congratulations Mr. Volvo."
I needed to get out of the conference room immediately but just as I reached the door, I heard his deep voice.
"Not so fast, Britney. Perhaps, I can get a handshake?"
- Writer
