Chapter 15: Clashing Personalities and Traditional Doubts
1130words
Although they were not sure at first, she was able to put the idea in their minds with her speech. Eki looked at the Moonlight Glow project as a lively center – rooftop gardens full of plants, giving a safe place for pollinators and creating a green paradise right in the middle of city life. Sustainable architecture, seamlessly integrated with nature, would revolutionize Lagos' urban landscape.
But when Yemi arrived, interrupting at just the right moment with caviar canapés, Eki felt uncomfortable. It was a gentle hint that there were other forces involved.
Dapo, who was sitting next to her, gave a little smile that didn't look completely real. Eki could feel his inner struggle; he wanted to make the Board happy but also wished to support her ideas.
Across the table, Board members, all men wearing fancy suits and with faces showing doubt, looked carefully at her plans. Mr. Akintola, who is Chairman and has a strong presence filling the whole room, cleared his throat.
"Ms. Bassey," he started speaking, his voice showing a bit arrogant tone, "this design is... very modern for sure. But does it really capture the real meaning of the Moonlight Glow project?"
Eki met his gaze defiantly. "Absolutely, Mr. Akintola. The project always makes an effort to understand what might happen in future. These structures utilize materials that are good for the environment and come with solar power systems installed, which help in making carbon emissions very low.
"Sustainability is a nice idea," said another board member, Mr. Ajayi. His neatly trimmed mustache moved little as he expressed doubt. "But can it make enough money?" People want luxury, Ms. Bassey, not eco-friendly gimmicks."
Eki took a deep breath. "Luxury can exist in harmony with sustainability, Mr. Ajayi. Imagine this: open-air courtyards filled with sunlight, and dining spots offering meals made from fresh vegetables grown right on the roofs... these things make a special, high-class feeling that draws in today's people who care about nature and being eco-friendly.
People were talking quietly against it, but in Mr. Akintola's eyes, you could also see a little bit of curiosity. Eki kept speaking with a firm voice and strong belief in what she thought was right.
When her presentation finished, quiet tension filled the room. Eki can feel a strong sense of expectation heavy on everyone there. Just when she thought they might be nearing a decision, Mr. Ajayi spoke.
"Ms. Bassey," he says, his voice having a little bit of hesitant respect, "your ideas are... creative, I must confess. But The Board needs more time to think about the monetary impacts of this design."
Eki felt strong disappointment biting inside him. They didn't say a clear no, but asking to wait more time seemed like he was going backward instead of making progress forward. Dapo walked closer and gently spoke, "Eki, do not worry. We can find a method to talk about what they are concerned with."
Eki offered him a small smile, but her heart wasn't entirely convinced.
When she began to collect her belongings, Mr. Akintola made a small cough sound, making everyone look at him once more.
"Ms. Bassey," he said with a voice softer than I expected, "there is one more thing to discuss. Although your design looks very unique, I must mention that your excitement for the project is truly impressive." Therefore, The Board has decided to offer you a unique opportunity."
Eki's eyebrows shot up. "An opportunity?"
"Really," Mr. Akintola said further, "We got a proposal from an investor abroad who is very interested in projects that focus on sustainable development." They mentioned they are looking at the Moonlight Glow project but it needs to match their eco-friendly values.
Yemi, who sat on the table's edge, suddenly looked tense. Her face briefly showed something like fear before she hid it again with her normal cold expression.
"This is very good news," Dapo said with a happy face. "A foreign investor can help the project become more well-known."
Eki wasn't so sure. This sudden development felt like a curveball. While the idea of international investors was exciting, it also made the situation feel a little bit strange and new.
"And the opportunity you mentioned?" she asked, wary.
Mr. Akintola leaned back in chair with a clever smile on face. "The Board is thinking of having...a competition, Ms." Bassey said. "You have a chance to present a new design, which needs to match our requirements and also follow sustainability rules from investors. But," he stopped for a moment to make his words stronger, "you will not do this alone."
Eki's stomach churned. "What do you mean?"
Mr. Akintola's eyes moved to Yemi, who then sat up straighter with a small smile she tried to hide on her lips.
"Please imagine it like a competition within our company, Ms. Bassey. You and your… respected colleague, Ms. Yemi Olumide, will both show your design changes to The Board." The winner will be awarded the prestigious honor of spearheading the Moonlight Glow project."
Eki felt a cold shiver. Yemi, her cousin who always had hidden plans, was now against her? This was not just a small surprise – it was like a very big earthquake. The air felt full of quiet as Eki looked at Yemi, who now had a cold smile but also seemed a little bit winning.
Dapo cleared his throat to break the quiet. "This is surprising," he said, a slight worry appearing in his eyes. "But Eki is more than capable of rising to the challenge."
Eki gave a tight smile to him, not sharing the same confidence he demonstrated. The thought of meeting Yemi—whose reasons were as mysterious as her stylish sunglasses—made Eki very nervous. But amidst the churning emotions, a spark of defiance ignited within her.
The Moonlight Glow project became something more than only a design task – it changed into a fight for her own dream, challenging how powerful she could be. Eki looked at Yemi with confident eyes and lifted chin. This competition is not only about winning – it aims to reveal the truth and make sure the original Moonlight Glow project legacy does not vanish because of everyone's ambition and greed.
When the meeting finished, Eki walked out from the conference room with many questions in their mind and a heart beating fast from both worry and strong will. The contest just started, but it never felt this important before.
