Chapter 7- As Partner Business

This morning, some time ago before the project meeting time with Lee.Co. Before Lynd meet Joan.

Lynd worked at a contractor company as a director for quite some time. But this morning before the meeting, suddenly her job must hold the position of project manager. Indeed Lynd's company was in a bankruptcy crisis with financial difficulties. The boss, aka the president of the company who was supposed to attend the meeting this morning, could not be contacted. In other word disappeared or run away allegedly carrying the company's funds from the winning tender last time.

“How is this Lynd? If we don't attend today's meeting then our company will be completely over!” even though this new project is their company's only hope to survive.

Lynd who was cornered either in question or in the responsibility of the critical situation that was happening at this time also filled her head felt empty. Not to mention the pain and disappointment of the betrayal of a long-time believer who has destroyed all her dreams, ideals and spirit.

“Our company does not have the funds to bear the penalty for breach of contract if it withdraws from this project.” One of them spoke up again.

Every face was pale, the eyeballs quivering with anxiety, the fear and despair hidden in every heart for this calamity that had befallen them. Whether this will be the end of their life sustainability as well as their work career. Each of them seems ready to resign if they become unemployed layoffs from the bankruptcy of this company.

More than her fear of losing job without a clear future, Lynd was more angry because if the hard work of all the team members who had fought with her to win the tender and save the fate of the company should end in vain like this. She could not accept it and remained silent. It was at this time that she emerged as a true leader.

“I'm going to a meeting and you guys keep things under control here. Keep trying to find out the whereabouts of the president until found. For other things, we'll handle the situation when I get back." Lynd messages her co-workers with charisma, assertiveness and confidence. Since the most important and crucial moment is the meeting with the client, all agree to it.

Report to the authorities, don't know if the solution can restore this already messy situation with all the problems of the company for the better. Lynd never thought she would experience this kind of betrayal in her life by faithfully working in the company hoping to succeed together. No, it's not the companies that are at fault but their leaders. Along the way to the meeting Lynd's mind was dominated by various bad things, hatred, regret and plans for the next steps she must take after overcoming the crisis. Until finally she arrived at the meeting room found a figure that once again made her head scatter this morning.

Lynd saw Joan sitting in the meeting room with the team which is her company's partner in the project determinants of the sustainability of the fate of this company.

Lynd stood frozen, her eyes fixed on one face that made her heart instantly rumble with a sense of uncertainty. While Joan although equally surprised but managed to keep control of facial expressions maintain authority and calm in front of the audience all in the meeting room.

“Oh!" Joan's stundup. Calmly remain elegant and charismatic walking towards Lynd.

A moment ago his annoyed face because of the delay had disappeared changed into a smile, looking happy to find who was present in front of him at this time. It was an unexpected surprise in the morning that should be busy.

Lynd was eager to move away the room, immediately ran away, but her feet seemed to be tightly pressed against the floor. Only her body jerked faintly, reflexes slightly retreating as Joan drew closer.

“I tried to contact you.” As say it he holds out his hand.

Lynd was wrong, she thought Joan would greet in a casual manner as an acquaintance. Forgot where she was and what was there for. Waking up from a daydream, Lynd's eyeballs circulate reading the surrounding atmosphere. Found every pair of eyes in the room fixed on her, waiting for a response to Joan's hand offered for gretting that is still waiting to be welcomed. Lynd must control herself, forget about personal matters at least in this room, in this moment.

“I'm sorry to keep you waiting Sir.” Shake Joan's hand, Lynd try remaid calm.

“It's okay, the most important thing now is that we can start the meeting.” Joan turned around to return to his chair. “Oh," he said again, turning back to look at Lynd. "Where Is Mr. Philip?”

Immediately catching the question, Lynd took out her business card. During this time, the boss who is always in direct contact with clients in every project.

“Because of the inevitable constraints of our internal reasons. From now on and forward Mr. Philip can't attend or do this project anymore-um, Mr. Lee.”

Lynd and her team are determined to cut off all authority and access from the leadership of their boss who is now at guilty so that he no longer has rights. “Sorry for this inconvenience. I hope you can understand.”

For a moment Joan was silent observing Lynd's business card in his hand with a look of eyes and a face that was difficult to interpret. “Yes, sure. As long as it does not affect our project implementation plan.”

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Lee." Lynd smile with stiff face.

"Ah, and one more thing. Just Call me Joan, everyone I know, including people who are here calls by that name."

Lynd was still half-conscious talking to Joan at this moment. She felt completely disoriented now, but meeting still had to go according plan.

***

The meeting was not supposed to be attended alone usually. But somehow, none of her team members were ready for the crisis that occurred suddenly this morning. They lack the staff even to handle the situation and control the atmosphere. Lynd was also forced to take over the responsibility of this project. If she knew was going to meet Joan, he wouldn't have done it. Having found out now, felt she had to step back from this position and entrust it to another staff.

The only thought that occupied Lynd's mind at this moment was to rush off as soon as the meeting ended. She has to step back and re-plan with the team. It's true that there are still many problems left from the chaos that is happening in her company now. On the other hand, for a moment, the thought of canceling a project that has a binding cooperation agreement with Joan's company so that in the future the two of them no longer need to intersect each other. But then what about the fate of her company?

"Ms. Lynd?” the voice called her.

Someone called out her name but Lynd was too absorbed in her own thoughts.

"Ms. Lynd Olsen?” once more try.

“Yes?" she replied finally. 

A handsome man in a suit and a neat shirt had stood before Lynd.

“Can I have your time to talk?” ask him politely.

“Huh? Me?" Lynd was confused. She knew the face of the man in front of her, would not be mistaken as the secretary of Joan. In the meeting room was also present, was on the side of his boss always accompanies.

“Yes.” with same calm voice.

"Uh," Lynd worried. What made the secretary chase all the way to the lobby where she was waiting for a taxi. "I'm sorry, but what it is you want to talk about?”

If the work thing must have been discussed in the meeting room earlier, it should not be. It's not just an excuse, Lynd is very busy right now. She must immediately return to the company where her colleagues must have been waiting.

With a steady calm demeanor and a flat expression, the man spoke politely asking in a soft voice. “Can we go somewhere else, Miss?”

Damn, Lynd couldn't resist. Feel reluctant because here her position as a party in need of work, weaker without power.

Lynd nodded hesitantly at last. A little smile on man's lips appear, nodded weakly then directed Lynd's steps to take the road to somewhere. Where it was and what for the need that was still a mystery.