Chapter 4: I'm Starting To Get Scared of this Feeling

Belle’s P.O.V.

Sir Ethan nodded, scribbling something on his notepad. I glanced at Dylan. His gaze was fixed on me, intense yet calm. It was unnerving how he could make the room fade away with just one look.

I cleared my throat and clicked to the next slide.

"Next, CyberAsia Solutions from the Philippines," izi-noom ko ang monitor at itinutok doon sa highlighted phrases. "They offer real-time threat detection powered by AI. With increasing cyber threats, integrating their system will fortify our data infrastructure, protecting both client information and internal operations."

I shifted my weight, acutely aware of Dylan’s presence, though he hadn’t moved an inch.

"Third, Nexa Digital from Vietnam."

"They specialize in AI-driven customer experience platforms. Their virtual assistants and personalized recommendation engines can enhance our client engagement, improving satisfaction rates while reducing manual workload for our customer support team."

"And finally, StatSmart from Thailand."

"They provide advanced data analytics for decision-making and market insights. By leveraging their platform, we can refine our marketing strategies, optimize product development, and identify emerging market trends before competitors do."

I paused, gauging the room. Ethan leaned back in his chair, brows furrowed in thought.

"These collaborations not only modernize our operations but also create opportunities for new projects and revenue streams. By adopting these technologies, we can expand into new markets, offer data-driven consulting, and even explore white-label solutions for clients."

“How much will it cost, if we invest in them?” tanong ni Sir Dylan. He’s looking me straight in the eye while his arms are crossed and leaning on his chair.

“An initial investment of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the pilot phase, covering system integration, staff training, and dedicated tech support. The projected savings in logistics alone would cover that within nine months," sagot ko.

Tumango si Dylan bilang pagsang-ayon, gusto kong matuwa ngunit ayokong pakasiguro na iyon ay approval na galing sa kanya. Isa-isa kong tiningnan ang mga Big Bosses at nagpapasalamat ako dahil maaliwalas ang mga mukha nila, maliban lang sa isang tao na hindi ko alam kung talaga bang pinaglihi ng nakataas ang isang kilay.

“That’s too pricey but it’s promising. What about scalability? Can these startups handle Seyer Enterprises' demands?” tanong ni Ethan.

“And what about our system? Won't our existing systems suffice?" nakakunot naman ang noo ni Ma’am Camille at nakatutok sa printed file ng presentation ko.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero napatingin akong muli kay Sir Dylan at nang tumango siya ay saka lang ako nagkaroon ng lakas na loob para sagutin ang mga tanong nila. Although, I practiced and expected these questions ay iba pa rin pala talaga kapag totoo ng mga tao ang kaharap mo.

Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago ipinaliwanag at ibigay ang sagot sa mga tanong nila.

“They can, Sir Ethan,” sagot ko. “I already asked for samples of their systems and they’re willing to cooperate with us and promised that they’ll do everything they can to take our demands,” sagot ko saka bumaling kay Ma’am Camille. “And about that, Ma’am, our current systems are reactive, not predictive. Their systems, each of them can identify anomalies before they escalate, reducing potential data breaches by 40%. Considering the sensitive client data we handle, proactive defense is a necessity, not a luxury."

“And what if they fail?” tanong naman ng Senior Manager naming si Miss Emily. “How can you be sure that they’ll agree about what the company demands as compensation?”

Nakita kong nagsitanguan ang ibang Bog Bosses sa tanong na iyon ni Miss Emily.

I met her gaze. "They're offering a performance-based contract. If they don’t meet the agreed security benchmarks, we pay 30% less. They’re very confident in their tech."

Nagkaroon ng katahimikan kaya nagsimula akong kabahan. I’m sure about what I said, kasi ako mismo ang nagtanong sa mga kompanyang kinuha ko at siniguradong magiging smooth lahat ng transaction kung sakali.

Again, I glance at Dylan, and saw how his eyes flickered and his mouth curves up. Does it mean, approval?

Sana nga. Lihim akong napabuntonghininga nang marinig kong may magsalita ulit.

"So, you're proposing multiple partnerships instead of one big vendor. Why take that route?" tanong ni Sir Ethan na tumatangu-tango at nakaplaster sa mga labi niya ang magandang ngiti.

That’s two points for me, right?

"Because agility is the key. These startups are hungry, flexible, and willing to tailor their solutions for us. One large vendor would lock us into a rigid system. This way, we get cutting-edge technology, diversified risk, and negotiable terms,” sagot ko habang nakataas ang baba. I also confidently smiled at them, nang makita kong isa-isang nagsitanguan ang mga Big Bossess pagkatapos silang magkatinginan sa isa’t isa.

“More importantly, they’re offering a performance-based contract. If they don’t meet the agreed security benchmarks, we pay 30% less. As I've said, they’re confident in their tech,” dagdag ko pa.

“Well, what do you think, Dylan?” tanong ni Sir Rafael, ang COO at pinagkakatiwalaan ni Sir Dylan.

Nahigit ko ang paghinga ko at hinintay ang sasabihin niya. This time, matagal kaming nagkatitigan at kulang na lang talaga ay pandilatan ko siya ng mga mata sa pangambang may makahalata sa mataman niyang pagtitig sa akin.

"What if they fold?" his tone was sharp. His fingers brush against the folder in front of him, then still. A silent cue as if saying to me to push harder. He wants me to drive the point home.

I looked at him and without hesitation, I answered. "Then we’ll find another eligible companies, as a matter of fact, there are a lot of small companies around Asia who can do it. But their current growth rates and venture capital backing suggest stability for at least the next five years. I’ve run the risk analysis—loss potential is minimal compared to the long-term gains."

Muling namayani ang katahimikan sa bawat sulok ng kuwartong iyon. Lahat ay naghihintay sa kung ano ang magiging desisyon ni Sir Dylan. Nang lumipas ang limang minutong katahimikan ay nagsimula na akong kabahan at magpanic. Dylan’s gaze drills into me, unreadable as ever.

Napayuko ako at handa nang tanggapin kung ire-reject niya ang proposal ko. Malaking risk kung tutuusin ang proposal na dini-discuss ko sa kanila, isama pang hindi lang isa kundin apat na kompanya ang kasama sa proposal na ginawa ko.

And finally, after a thousand year—chos lang, pagkalipas ng ilan pang minuto ay nagsalita na si Sir Dylan. And the worst part was I misheard him.

"To be honest, I've already reviewed their scalability reports. Each company has strong VC backing and modular platforms designed for enterprise-level integration. Belle identified solid partners," nakangiting wika ni Dylan na nakatingin sa akin, pagkatapos ay lumingon kay Ethan. "Draft the contracts. Have Legal vet them. If the numbers hold, we move forward. Ethan oversees the pilot phases. I want monthly progress reports."

Napakurap ako at nagulat sa sinabi niya. He looked into it? How? When? Naipilig ko ang ulo ko at nahulog sa malalim na pag-iisip, pilit na hinahalukay kung kailan iyon nangyari? ‘Kagabi ba? After what happened to us?’

No! Stop, self! Huwag mong haluan ng kabaliwan mo ang presentation mo! Saway ko sa sarili ko.

Sir Ethan nodded slowly. "Alright. I want a detailed implementation roadmap. If you can show me how we integrate without disrupting current operations, I’ll back it. Good job, Belle, you never disappoint me,” nakangiting turan pa niya.

“I-I'll have it ready by the end of the week. Thank you!” Relief floods me, walang pagsidlan ang nararamdaman kong saya ng mga oras na iyon.

“Tsk. I told you, I saw a potential with this lady!” mayabang namang turan ni Sir Nathan at tumingin sa kanya saka nag-thumbs up. “Good job! Keep it up, Miss Andrada!”

I nod, my heart racing with adrenaline. At that moment parang biglang nanghina ang mga tuhod ko sa sobrang saya, good thing na nakakapit ako sa mesa dahil kung hindi baka bigla na lang ako bumagsak.

Tumingin ako sa mga kaibigan ko at lahat sila ay binati din ako sa success ng proposal ko. Tumango ako bilang pasasalamat saka napatingin ako kay Dylan nang sadyain nitong dumaan sa likod niya para lumabas ng conference room.

His hand brushed the small of my back, the touch fleeting yet deliberate.

My breath hitched and my heartbeat started to go wild. Mabilis akong tumingin sa paligid namin sa takot na baka may makahalata. But no one noticed. Sir Ethan was already discussing the next agenda item with the others, and my friends were focused on the discussion, taking important notes.

Sir Dylan leaned closer and stopped for a moment, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

"Good work, Belle," he murmured, the warmth of his breath teasing my ear. "I’m impressed."

I bit my lower lip and calmed my heart pounding.

"Thank you," I whispered, trying to not look back at him.

“I’ll wait for you at the basement one. We need to celebrate, right?”

Napalunok ako at talagang pinagpawisan ng malala. Hindi niya na hinintay pang magsalita ako at mabilis na lumabas ng kuwartong iyon, saka lang din ako nakahinga ng maluwag.

Wala sa sariling napahawak ako sa dibdib ko at sunod-sunod na paghinga ng malalim ang ginawa ko para makalma lang ang naghuhuramentado kong puso.

Patay na. Malala na ito. I’m starting to get scared of this feeling of mine.

Napatingin ako sa pintong nilabasan ni Sir Dylan. Okay lang ba talagang tanggapin ko ang nararamdaman niya para sa akin? Alam ko din namang mali pero katulad niya ay hindi ko rin naman mapipigilan ang puso kong tumibok at mahalin siya.