Chapter 72: Unprepared presentation
1095words
Two months later.
I thoughtfully brought a cup of tea for my boss since he wouldn't go out during break time. As usual, the clacking of the keyboard echoed around the office. His headphones were plugged in, and he was fully concentrated, as if his life depended on whatever he was doing.
'Hi, Sir," I smiled, putting down the tea on the desk. He glanced at me without a word. 'I personally made it this time since the last one wasn't to your taste. I hope you like it," I said. He relaxed against the swivel chair and unplugged his headphones.
'I will be having a presentation in less than fifteen minutes. This is not the time for silly gestures," he said.
'You're welcome, Sir," I said, my smile not wavering.
'I didn't appreciate you."
'I know. It doesn't matter what you say. I know a natural person will respond politely to a friendly gesture, so I just responded to that kind of person—not you, Sir," I declared, and turned to go back to my desk.
'Hold on a minute, Scarlett." I stopped and faced him.
'Are you indirectly insulting me?" he asked, standing up and walking up to me.
'Don't get me wrong, Sir. It's not good to assume it was an insult unless you wanted it to be an insult," I responded.
'It's fine. I forgive you. Let's go to the conference room," he said and went back to his desk, picking up his phone and the flash drive. Without a word, I followed him.
'I bet it's time I let you know—I won't be the one presenting today," he said.
'I guess the product manager is taking the responsibility, right?" I guessed while walking down the hall with him.
'You will be presenting our new products to new investors. If they like your pitch, we will get the contract, and you know how much that's worth. You already know about this, don't you? So, there's no room for mistakes," he explained.
I couldn't help but chuckle. 'That's a lame joke, and it's not funny," I said.
'And when do I start wasting time joking with you?" he groaned.
I stopped and faced him. 'You can't be serious, Mr. Nathan. What are you saying? How can you tell me about a presentation a few minutes before the presentation? Does that make sense?" I confronted, trying to lower my voice so as not to attract attention.
He looked around us. 'Which part aren't you prepared for? You supported me in designing the presentation. You know everything about our new product, so what's so hard about it?"
'Are you listening to yourself, Mr. Nathan? I have never done this before. I need time to prepare for such things. Have you thought about whether I have stage fright? How am I going to do it?" I whined, fear creeping under my skin.
'As my assistant, you should always be prepared for such tasks. It's almost time—let's go," he said and walked ahead.
I wanted to scream, punch him in the face, boldly turn back, and go home, but I couldn't do any of this. I felt crippled and confined.
'Argh!" I grunted and hurried after him.
'You can do this, Scarlett."
'You can do this, Scarlett."
'You bloody can do this, Scarlett."
I chanted while inhaling and exhaling deeply.
I watched with bated breath as Mr. Nathan greeted the five investors: three women and two men.
'It has been a while, Mr. Aguas," Mr. Nathan greeted the last investor and took his seat. 'With no further ado, let's get down to business. I know we all have the same goal in business—to make a profit. And I also know that Reyes Legacy Jewels has the secret sauce to make that goal a reality. Next, I want to introduce my assistant, who is going to pitch this to us," Mr. Nathan said and gestured for me to begin.
I took a deep breath, moved closer to the projector screen, and turned it on.
'Good day, everyone. Thanks for joining us today," I began. I paused and scowled at Mr. Nathan. 'We are super excited to introduce our brand-new wedding ring collection," I said, trying to relax and be friendly. I switched to the product image on the screen. I got some smiles, at least. The charming piece sparkled even as an image.
'Isn't it gorgeous? Our designers have outdone themselves this time. This ring features our signature 'Eternal Sparkle' diamond, which is truly breathtaking," I stated, smiling as if the ring were going to be my wedding ring if I ever got married.
'That's a beautiful piece. What makes it special?" Mr. Aguas, as greeted by Mr. Nathan, asked. He sounded impressed, which was encouraging.
'Our ‘Eternal Sparkle' diamond is cut to maximize brilliance and fire. It's also certified conflict-free and sustainably sourced. Plus, the band is made from recycled precious metals."
'Conflict-free? Are you suggesting that by wearing the ring we are bound not to get involved in conflict?" the woman asked.
'This is not just a ring, but a representation of love and marriage. When a couple exchanges rings on their wedding day, it isn't just because it's a piece of jewelry that's a norm on every wedding day—it's the symbol of their promise to love and cherish each other forever. And that's what our new diamond wedding ring collection is all about—celebrating the love and commitment that two people share. Each ring is crafted with the finest materials and designed to be a symbol of forever love. So, let's share this love and commitment with the world and make every couple's wedding day dreams come true!" I concluded my presentation.
I answered all their questions about quality and marketing support. They began murmuring among themselves, which made me sweat down my pants. Their decision was going to determine my future in this company. Damn my boss.
'I like it. We are investing with your company," Mr. Aguas said. He seemed to speak for the others. I wanted to scream in excitement, but I fought to hold it back.
'We promise you won't regret your decision," I smiled, holding the big laugh back.
We were back in the office some minutes later.
'I did it! Woohoo!" I screamed in excitement, spinning in the office.
'Watch your steps!" Mr. Nathan's voice came faintly as I screamed again in fear, almost falling on my butt before he grabbed my hand and pulled me into his chest. I gasped, my eyes popping out of their sockets.
