Chapter 47
1124words
This was her first time handling something like this and her mind has already conjured up a million and one way she could mess it all up, but Asher's confidence in her had her putting one leg before the other till she finally took a seat, the seat Asher was meant to occupy.
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen," she started, her voice was clearer and firmer than she expected, and she couldn't help but notice the amount of eyes resting on her. "Mr Allard unfortunately cannot make it to the meeting today, hence, my presence. I assure you that everything is going to be seamless nonetheless, so please, let's proceed with the meeting. " She plastered a smile on her face as she finished, and everyone seated exchanged glances with each other.
The awkwardness was broken off momentarily when one of them cleared their throat, and all eyes diverted to them instead. "Mrs Allard, thank you for gracing us with your presence. I am Briam, the head of the finance department for this project. "
" Nice to meet you, Mr Briam"
"Pleasure is all mine. Now, ma'am, I do not mean to be derogatory, but this meeting is of utmost importance to this project, and Mr Allard's input is greatly needed. I suggest that if he is indisposed, then... "
"Are you saying that I am incapable of spearheading this meeting, Mr Briam? "
" Not at... "
"Or are you insinuating that Mr Allard's decision to have me fill in for him was stupid of him? "
Briam chuckled nervously and shook his head. " That's not what I'm trying to say at all, ma'am. I just... "
"In that case then, let's start the meeting." They all exchanged glances once again and cleared their throats, before the meeting started.
"The problem now lies in the interior design, we have been unable to get in contact with any of the top and recommended interior design companies as most of them are already fully booked for the year. We however can't start the project without taking them into consideration, it is going to affect the budget if we proceed without a proper estimate." Briam said, and Lily bit the insides of her cheeks as she thought of his words.
If they've contacted the top companies then Mrs Darby's company has most definitely been contacted. Her mind raced all over the place, trying to think up a solution when a crazy idea popped into her mind, alongside reasons why she shouldn't present it. But, she knew better than to keep it in. Anything is better than not giving them a solution, not after the impression they already created of her.
" In that case then, my company would handle it." She said, and half the pairs of eyes in the room widened.
" I'm not sure if I misheard you, ma'am. Did you say, your company?"
She arched her brow and nodded. " Yes, my company. Guaranteed it is a startup company and we are yet to host our launch, but it is capable of handling this project given that we are already handling a project for Mrs Darby." A smug smile lit up her face at the astonishment plastered on theirs.
" In-In that case then, a formal email will be sent to the company to set up a formal meeting to discuss further on the project."
She shrugged her lips and shoulders, " why wait, when we can set one up now? The date to Kickstart this project needs to be set soon, right?"
They nodded and she smiled, " there's an opening for a meeting two weeks from now, that should be good enough time for the representatives of each company to pull together a proposal."
" Yes ma'am"
"In that case then, I believe this meeting is over. Miss Eliss will send a briefing of it to Mr Allard. Have a nice day, ladies and gentlemen." She stood up and strutted out of the room, her confidence over the roof.
She maintained her composure till she left the company and got into the car, and the biggest grin ever broke out on her face and she squealed, her hands over her mouth to keep her voice low.
It was unbelievable that she actually did that. It had been her plan all along to Kickstart a company of her own, but she never expected it to happen so soon, not with her inexperience and ... She shook her head, snapping out of that thought train. She wasn't going to let the negatives steal her joy, all that mattered now was that she had taken the first huge step in starting a company of her own, and she already secured a major deal even before properly starting up.
A squeal left her lips again and she clapped her hands excitedly. She couldn't wait to go home and share the news with Asher. She actually pulled the meeting off, and started a company of her own.
"Are you ready to leave, ma'am?" The driver asked when her squeals died down, and an embarrassed blush coated her cheeks as she nodded.
Once the car was put in motion and it drove out of the company, she relaxed against the chair and expelled a breath. "This is really happening?" She quickly whipped out her phone and scribbled down a few notes on what to do next.
Less than half an hour later, the car pulled into the house. She alighted excitedly, ready to run into the house and spill the entire thing to Asher, but her excitement fizzled when she noticed a familiar car parked in the driveway.
She has completely forgotten what today was supposed to be, and it had completely skipped her mind to update her dad about the turn of events. Her hands fisted around her pant suits and she gulped, this wasn't going to end well at all. She turned her eyes away from the car to the house and she took a deep breath.
"Better to get it out of the way" she whispered. With great strength, she dragged her feet along the way till she finally walked into the house.
Charlotte must have noticed the car pulling into the driveway because she stood by the door, waiting for her, and as soon as Lily walked into the house, Charlotte's palm made its way to her face.
"You lying bitch!"
