CHAPTER FIVE:ONE LAST CHANCE
639 Words
The morning had barely begun when my office phone rang.
I frowned.
No one called my direct line before eight unless something had gone terribly wrong.
"Kathryna Reed."
"Kathy?"
I immediately recognized Amelia's voice.
She sounded... panicked.
"Amelia? What's wrong?"
"I need your help."
I stood from my chair.
"What happened?"
"There was a mix-up with one of my clients. The opposing counsel just submitted new financial evidence, and I need someone who actually understands corporate valuations before I walk into this meeting."
"You have associates."
"I do, but none of them know this company the way you do."
I glanced at the time.
My first meeting wasn't for another forty minutes.
"I'll be there."
"You will?"
"When have I ever let you down?"
She laughed, relief evident in her voice.
"Thank you."
—
Thirty minutes later, I walked into Amelia's law office carrying my laptop and two folders.
She looked as though she hadn't slept.
"You look terrible."
"I know."
"You owe me coffee after this."
"Deal."
For the next hour, we went through financial statements, acquisition reports, valuation models, and projected cash flows.
Amelia took notes as quickly as I explained everything.
By the time she walked into court, she looked significantly more confident.
I waited outside.
Forty-five minutes later, she emerged with the biggest smile on her face.
"We won."
"I never doubted you."
She pulled me into a quick hug.
"I couldn't have done it without you."
"Yes, you could have."
"No."
She smiled.
"But thank you for believing I could."
I checked my watch.
"I have to run."
"Go save the corporate world."
"I always do."
—
By the time I returned to Montclair Capital Partners, the atmosphere felt... different.
People were whispering.
Vanessa stood the moment I stepped off the elevator.
"There you are."
Something in her voice made my stomach tighten.
"What happened?"
"Mr. Bennett wants to see you immediately."
Without another word, I headed straight for the executive floor.
Richard Bennett stood near the windows overlooking the city.
He didn't turn around when I entered.
"You've heard?"
"Heard what?"
He finally faced me.
"The London meeting."
My heart sank.
"What about it?"
"The associate you assigned to represent you..."
He paused.
"...failed."
I stared at him.
"Failed how?"
"He walked into a negotiation with incomplete market projections."
My stomach twisted.
"The clients interpreted it as a lack of preparation."
I closed my eyes briefly.
"No..."
"They've suspended negotiations."
Silence settled between us.
Richard walked toward his desk before sliding a file in my direction.
"The clients have agreed to one final meeting."
I looked down.
London.
"They've specifically requested to speak with the executive who designed the acquisition strategy."
"Me."
"Yes."
I slowly sat down.
"I should've gone myself."
"You trusted one of your associates."
"I made the wrong decision."
Richard shook his head.
"No."
"You made the reasonable decision."
"But now..."
He folded his hands.
"This isn't just another client anymore."
I looked at him.
"The London account is one of the biggest opportunities Montclair Capital Partners has pursued in years."
He let the words settle.
"If we lose this deal, another firm will take it."
I nodded slowly.
"And if we secure it..."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"It will be difficult for the board to ignore your promotion when partnership discussions begin."
The room suddenly felt smaller.
This wasn't just another business trip.
This was everything I'd spent years working toward.
Richard looked at me steadily.
"I need you in London by tomorrow evening."
I took a slow breath.
"I'll fix it."
"I know you will."
As I walked out of his office, my mind was already racing through presentations, financial models, and negotiation strategies.
London.
I had no idea that this business trip was about to change my life in ways no promotion ever could.
- Writer
