Chapter 5 The meeting

"There will be a live interview tomorrow at 10am with a representative from Blackwood tech ventures. Please make possible preparations as regards to this.

"I feel this will be our last interview, the next publication will follow another pattern. Mr. Robert instructed."

"I really commend your efforts since the beginning of this project. I single handedly gave you this contract as the project manager because you're capable. I know the stress is overwhelming, but we are almost wrapping up the project. You know our target is gaining their trust of which we have done through this first partnership which we look forward to upcoming works."

"Okay sir, she responded."

"I will leave you now to go back to work. You know you have barely twenty hours to come up with something. I believe it's a walk over for you."

"Goodluck, he said as he moved towards the door."

His word echoed in her head because it sounded like an urgent reminder,

I will have to outwork myself today because I have just barely 20 hours to make necessary preparations.

The Meeting

In the evening, after work Skylar went to have a little time out. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of the coffee shop enveloped her as she stepped inside. She took a deep breath, feeling the tension in her shoulders begin to ease.

She joined the short line and ordered a soothing latte. As she waited, she grabbed a quiet table by the window.

The sunlight streaming through the glass cast a calming glow on her face. With her coffee in hand, she took a sip, letting the rich flavors and creamy texture melt away some of her stress.

For a moment, she enjoyed everything, the taste, the aroma, and the peaceful atmosphere. She pulled out her journal and began to write her thoughts and possible steps that will help her achieve great success in the remaining days to the launch.

As she wrote, she had a feeling of calmness in her mind.

Desmond found himself walking into the same coffee shop where Skylar was.

Desmond was the representative at the live interview.

Desmond approached Skylar, his demeanor softer than before. "Do you Mind if I join you?" he asked.

Skylar looked up, surprised but welcoming. "Not at all, please do.

"I am Desmond, and I heard your name is Skylar."

"Yeah, I'm Skylar."

Skylar noticed a bit of fatigue on his face. "You look like you've been carrying the weight of the world," Skylar said.

"Because of the recent launch we've been working tirelessly.

Your questions during the interview convince me to believe that you're good."

Days had passed since the interview, but flashbacks of the encounter had left them thinking about each other.

Desmond, the representative from Blackwood Ventures, couldn't brush off Skylar's piercing questions and sharp insights. Skylar, on the other hand, was perplexed by Desmond's responses.

The two sat in silence for a moment, the sounds from the coffee shop filling the space between them.

Skylar broke the silence. "You know, Desmond, I wasn't trying to grill you during the interview. I just wanted to understand the soul of Blackwood Ventures."

Desmond smiled. "I realize that now. Your questions were very intriguing, I'm grateful for that."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly from there, delving into the complexities of corporate social responsibility, personal integrity, and the true meaning of success.

As the evening wore on, Desmond felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Skylar too, felt a sense of closure, knowing that his questions had sparked positive change.

The coffee shop began to close, but the connection forged between Desmond and Skylar.

As they parted ways, Desmond extended his hand. "Thank you, Skylar. It was nice talking to you."

Skylar shook it firmly.

Desmond requested politely for her mobile number."

In order to maintain their communication.

Later that night Samantha called Skylar,

"Hi Sam, how are you doing."

"I am fine Skylar. How was work today."

"It was kind of stressful though, but I went to a coffee shop to get coffee. I just wanted to sit out and ward off the stress."

"Yea, what about the man you told me about the other day, the rich CEO I mean."

"I haven't seen him in weeks now, the last time a report was submitted, Mr. Robert, my boss did that."

"You remember I told you that I had a plan, I mean a way Mr. Austin will pay for the harm he has caused?"

"Sam, she said, her voice laced with a hint of shock which Sam on the other end could feel. So, you still thought about that, I think we both were at fault, because I accepted the offer from the beginning. But I know it will never happen again."

"I was very anxious and restless since you left that night, I just felt like all this happened to me. But since you're fine now I'll just let it slide."

"Have a lovely night Sam, I love you."

"Have a lovely night dear, I love you too. Samantha replied as she hung up the call."

The plot

Vanessa the CEO of Rele advertising agency was looking for a way Mr. Blackwood would dissolve the contract between Harthood advertising agency and choose Rele agency instead.

"It seems it is their efficiency, loyalty, transparency and even positive recommendations that won them the contract, she muttered as she leaned on the table."

I just hope they don't get to find out that we were the brains behind the first Disruption of service during their live interview a few days ago.

I think we should go through another route this time.

She thought of hacking the agency's email account even though this will take a lot of time, but She outlined steps to achieve this.

Her plan was to set a spy on the agency, that would help to spy on the activities of the agency, and possibly leak vital information concerning the contract. She also thought of setting a spy on Skylar too.

She thought of coming in the form of a direct contract with her.

She thought to herself.