CHAPTER 8

Chapter 8

'Of course. He'd be the only one to find fault in my proposal,' Veronica thought bitterly as she fisted the side of her dress.

After taking the Serpentine Dragon's Eye at the Trivia Gala, he sought to take this business deal from her company as well.

She cast a sidelong glance at Ethan and smiled recklessly.

"The government is responsible for providing social welfare services to the citizens. The fact that this project is aimed at improving their lives should be the only profit we should aim for, Mr. Reynolds," she deadpanned, her tone serious but a sweet smile etched on her ethereal face.

If he wanted, he could go ahead and challenge that notion, staining his charitable image along the line.

She did not see how he could manipulate his reply without compromising his selfish intentions.

One slip up and everyone in the office would see that he was an opportunist who had no empathy or regard for the welfare of the masses.

That kind of reputation could hamper further alliance with the government on such an important project.

Her lips hooked up in a triumphant smile but it was so faint, it made her look gentler while she waited his response.

After a ephemeron of silence, Ethan shot up from his seat.

"You're right, Miss. Morgan," he agreed. She did not expect he'd agree with her so easily. Something was clearly off.

Ethan Reynolds knew she would try to back him into a corner and she must be basking in her success as she managed to turn his question against him while smoothly playing the card of a benevolent individual.

Veronica Morgan was smart but she did not know he had expected this turn out of events and in fact planned how things played out from here onwards.

"Which is why, my company came up with a proposal that would benefit both the public and the government."

A proposal that benefitted both sides. The thought was intriguing and got the counsel's attention immediately. They hummed positively.

Ethan looked in Veronica's direction. Her gaze was cold and hostile. She was displeased by how he interrupted her presentation and forced her back into her seat.

She retracted her gaze and ignored him. Chuckling silently, he carried on with his proposal, speaking eloquently.

"The modern public servant doesn’t view the latest technology as something that’s just nice to have. Instead, according to our research, nearly a hundred percent of them expect it.

"Driven by evolving citizen behavior and the need to accomplish basic tasks, Reynolds Tech Hub is aggressively pursuing innovative new tools and adopting cloud technologies.

"New tech solutions like the cloud enable government to streamline processes while saving time and money. But chief among drivers of change is how much government technology can change the lives of citizens," he spelt out in an essence of professionalism and accurate research.

"Our goal is to develop New York into a 'cloud first' state."

"The investment will likely pay dividends into the future, but it’s already producing results in the sub clouds we've created in specified areas.

"We already have a prototype cloud ready so the government can test this technology. 

"I propose the government move its Medicare/Medicaid eligibility program to the public cloud.

"In the span of two weeks, you'll see that they’d speed up processing and approval times. The citizens would spend less time waiting for their benefits."

As he ended the presentation, the mayor and his counsel broke into applause. His proposal was perfect and highlighted a beneficial future for masses and government alike.

They nodded approvingly at one another.

Veronica who had been listening attentively, finally saw her chance to attack him.

"Mr. Reynolds's proposal is quite impressive especially as it outlines important benefits. But dare I ask, what happens in the event that the cloud crashes?" One of her brows was quirked up. The look in her eyes was very alluring even as it held wicked conviction.

Ethan leaned over the table with a smug smile. "Did I mention these clouds would be managed by efficient artificial intelligence?"

He returned his gaze to the mayor and his counsel. "One of Reynolds Tech Hub's R&D focus is to integrate technology and artificial intelligence into everyday life.

"We've made it our objective to implement our AI into our recent projects, further testing it's capabilities. Our scientists work tremendously to improve this tech..."

His company had successfully mastered advanced technology that were beyond the reach of other companies.

"In the future, we would dictate the level of AI development in this world. Be assured, the cloud would not crash."

Just as he said it, he rested his eyes on Veronica. She appeared calm and she absorbed what he said but he knew very well that she could strangle him if given the chance.

The mayor was erethic about both proposals. The two companies had presented him with a huge slice of pie with the best conditions.

However, the government could only invest in one company, he conceded.

"That's remarkable, Mr. Reynolds. Your visions are clearly outlined and I believe in your capabilities," the mayor commended.

He glanced in Veronica's direction. "Miss. Morgan, you also have presented us with an impressive proposal, quite mind-blowing."

She smiled in appreciative response.

"However, you are aware that only one proposal would be picked?"

Veronica slid a glance in Ethan's direction. He looked up at the same time but she quickly looked away.

They hummed a reply and the mayor nodded.

"The counsel and I need to converse about our choice. Until we finalize our decision, we will go on a short recession."

 _

Ten minutes had passed, Veronica noted as she glanced at her watch.

"What's taking them?" She had a lot to get back to at the company.

If the mayor and his counsel would take so long to arrive at a decision, they should simply let them leave and relay over email the chosen company.

"If you're so eager to lose investors, I wonder why you still hand around here," a sarcastic male drawl reached her ears.

Just as she turned around, the grim look on her face deepened. Ethan was walking towards her.

Sure enough, he wouldn't let her have a moment's peace. Like a a bad spirit, he wouldn't stop haunting her.

"You seem quite confident, Mr. Reynolds," she smiled back coldly. "But you better not be talking to me."

His smile was a playful one. He crossed his hands behind him and stood before her, his height towering hers and making her seem inferior.

"Yes but from the looks of it, I'm getting this investment."

'So proud and arrogant. He must think I am an ordinary rival.'

"Hmpf, do you think you'll steal this deal the same way you got the gem?" She furrowed her eyes indignantly.

Ethan regarded her with an amused smile. "I cannot believe you'll keep a grudge from an entirely fair bid. If you really wanted that gem, you should have worked harder.... But it seems, your potentials are very limited."

"You arrogant jerk!" Veronica lost her cool. "How dare you say such? You have no idea the range of my capabilities!"

His smile did not change even as she continued to rant out. She was very entertaining.

"The tabloids say you're such a reserved and collected woman. I did not know the famous Veronica Morgan had a foul temper..."

"Huh," the accusation was very absurd. "I've got a foul temper? It's better than that arrogance you keep, complacent jerk!"

Huffing, she strutted away, her stilettos making click sounds on the floor.

He turned around and smirked. Her figure was curvaceous and looked alluring from behind.

And she looked so hot when she was mad, a far cry from the pale woman he encountered at the Gala.

His gaze lingered on her for a long time.

Then he trailed back on what she said. Veronica accused him of trying to steal this deal from her company.

It was an ironic accusation but he couldn't blame her.

She did not know he was the person who suggested Qui Vive Tech to the mayor so as to give an equal but diverse opportunity for better innovation.

Competition always yielded the best results and her company was the only company that could go on par with his company in this project.

Not long after their little banter, the mayor's assistant came to get them.

The mayor and his counsel had taken a decision. Veronica was anxious. Ethan on the other hand was well reserved and seemed comfortable.

"We have considered both proposals thoroughly and while they may be different, they seek the same goal- to improve the living conditions of the people.

"However, we were unable to outweigh the benefits of both proposals hence, we couldn't arrive at decision concluding who we want to work with."

Veronica's heart sank the moment she heard the mayor's words. All that waiting had been for nothing.

"Infact, we see so many potentials in the listed proposals and we've decided that, instead of forgoing one proposal, why not integrate them into one project?"

"Huh?" Both CEOs were flabbergasted.

The mayor smiled at their surprise. "Yes, Mr. Reynolds, Miss. Morgan. We want you to work together on Project TMP."