CH 6

LAURA’S POV

I was so scared when Mr. Bryan snapped at me, he looked so scared when I mentioned Mia’s name. Besides, why did he tell me that the name Mia is a forbidden topic. If he hadn’t called me yesterday, all this wouldn’t have happened.

Few hours before the closing hours, Mr Bryan left the office in such a rush, he looked tired and stressed. I wondered what he was going through that no one knows about.

When I got back home from work, I saw a white envelope at the entrance of my house. I picked up the envelope and checked the body of the envelope, but nothing was inscribed on it. I didn’t bother to check the content in  the envelope. I kicked the door to my room opened as I threw the envelope on the drawer beside my bed, I made a mental note to check what is in the envelope after I’ve taken my bath and eating

“I’m famished,” I muttered to myself, as I walked to my small kitchen to make my dinner. I should be moving out of this place by the weekend, I have a lot of tidying up to do, I thought.

After eating my dinner, I studied the presentation speech for tomorrow. After I was done I layed on my bed and drifted to my dream land.

I woke up extremely late for work today, I didn’t bother to take my bath, I just rushed into the bathroom, took my toothbrush and brushed my teeth. I won’t like to have a bad breath today at the office, not when I’m given a chance to prove myself at  today's business meeting.

I put on my most decent/professional dress. I bought this cloth a year ago, hoping I’m going to wear it to a very important place. ‘Well I think the time has come for it to be useful,’ I muttered under my breath.

I rushed out of my apartment, stopped a taxi. When I got to the office it was almost time for the meeting. I saw Mr Bryan walking out of his office, he looked like he haven’t had enough sleep.

“Good morning sir,” I walked up to him, and handed his regular cup of coffee to him. I didn’t forget to get his coffee on my way to the office, I don’t think I’m ready to lose my job. Even though I have something big against him, he might just decide to relieve me of my job one day without thinking twice.

“Thanks,” he spoke lowly, as we both walked towards the direction of the conference room.

As we were about to enter he asked, “Where is the presentation file you were given yesterday?” I froze immediately “f*ck,” I caused under my breath. 

I played with my fingers nervously, and I answered “I forgot it at home.”

“You came late to work today, I overlooked it. You still have the effrontery to come to the office without the fille.” he uttered, obviously pissed.

“I’m sorry sir,” I apologised.

“Sorry Isn’t going to fix anything, Mia, oh sorry Laura.” he stated, mistaking me for Mia once again.

“The presentation slide is needed for today’s business meeting or we are going to lose this business deal, and if we should do, just kiss your job and every benefit that comes with it a goodbye.” he snapped angrily.

“I studied everything on the file last night, I think I should be able to touch all the topics, and secure the deal for the company,” I spoke with determination in my voice, even though I’m a little bit scared, but I won’t let him see my fear.

“I hope you do as you say. Come on in.” he said, as he stretched his hand, indicating I should walk into the conference room.

As I entered the room, I was f*cking nervous, my whole hand was covered in sweat. Most of the rich businessmen and women I do see on the television and newspaper were all present in the room, their intimidating eyes pierce deep into my body.

Mr Bryan cleared his throat and began “ Good morning sir’s and ma’s. I’m sorry for the delay, I had to attend to something very important.”

“Can we begin?” Mr Bryan asked, as they nodded their heads, I adjusted on my seat properly.

I shifted closer to the mic on the table in front of me, and I began, “Hello everyone, for the progress of the company in regarding the to the new tech app we are about to launch, I believe it will help most user utilise most of their time and will be more effective than our last project.”

I continued, and I could see the look of satisfaction on each and everyone’s face. After I was done with my speech, I took in a breath of relief as I made myself more comfortable on my seat. I hope the deal will be settled, cause if it is not, I don’t know what I’m going to do with my life, I thought.

No father, no mother, no siblings. Infact, I don’t even know my parents, my life is just messed up, my only hope is for this deal to be settled so I won’t lose my job.

Mr. Bryan nodded at me as I finished my presentation. The room was silent for a moment, and then one of the senior businessmen, Mr. Johnson, spoke up.

"That was quite an impressive presentation, young lady. You mentioned that this new app will be more effective than your last project. Can you elaborate on how you will achieve this?" he asked.

I took a deep breath in, trying to calm my nerves. "Yes, Mr. Johnson. The new app includes advanced algorithms that customise user experience based on their activity done on their phone before.”

I continued, “This means the app can predict user needs more accurately, reducing the time they spend navigating on how they use the app. Additionally, we've applied a new security protocol to protect user data, by addressing one of the major concerns from our last project."

Mr. Johnson nodded, obviously satisfied with my answer.

Another business asked me another question which I answered, and the room was filled with murmurs of approval.

Mr. Bryan glanced at me, and he gave me a small smile. He turned to the group and said, "I think it's clear that Laura has done her homework. Any further questions?"

There was a brief silence before Mr. Thompson, a stern looking man, threw another question at me “How will the app handle the sudden increase in users?"

"Great question, Mr. Thompson." I also give him the best answer to his question.

Mr. Thompson raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Well, it seems you've covered all the bases."

Mr. Bryan stood up, smiling. "Thank you, Laura. I believe we've addressed all the concerns.”

He added, “Now, if there are no further questions, I'd like to move forward by finalising this deal."

The businessmen exchanged glances and nodded. Mr. Johnson spoke up once more. "I think we can all agree that Laura has given us a clear and convincing answer. Let's seal the deal."

A wave of relief washed over me. Mr. Bryan and the businessmen began discussing the final details.

He turned to me and whispered, "You did great, Laura. I'm impressed."

I smiled, and answered, "Thank you, Mr. Bryan."

As the meeting concluded and the businessmen began to leave, Mr. Bryan pulled me aside. "Laura, you've proven yourself today. I know I was hard on you, but it was because I saw potential in you. You've earned your place here."

I nodded, feeling tears of gratitude welling up in my eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Bryan. That means a lot to me."

He patted my shoulder. "Now, go take a break. You deserve it."

As I walked out of the conference room, I felt a sense of pride and hope for the future. I had faced my fears, proved my worth, and sealed the deal. Things were finally looking up.