Chapter 9 THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION

Natalia's POV

My heart drummed violently in my chest as I made my way to the conference room. It was 10 am and Wesley was here with his people for the presentation.

Personally, I was ready to accept the deal. It was our best bet.

But as a good CEO, I had to let my people have a say as well, so it wouldn't seem like I was imposing on them- and that was what made me uneasy.

A hundred questions echoed in my head as I strutted down the hallway. What if the board refused Wesley's offer? What was I going to do then?

What other innovation could we come up with and sponsor without declaring bankruptcy?

"Oh, there you are," Ciara's cold voice suddenly echoed through my ears, snapping me out of my thoughts.

She was standing by the door, glaring at me as I approached. "Everyone has been waiting for you. Don't you know you are supposed to be in meetings like this earlier?" She hissed.

I stopper before her, my mind already considering what response I could give her that would keep her quiet for good. But at the last second, I decided to let it go.

I would deal with her later.

Taking a deep breath, I forged a smile and walked past her. "Hello, everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting."

There were mumbles of responses but as I settled into my seat, I could instantly feel the cold tension in the room as the board kept their eyes on the opposite side.

Wesley's side.

It was a clear indication that they didn't like this. But I couldn't lose this deal and risk ruining the company.

Taking charge of the room, I cleared my throat and pointed at our guests- Wesley and a woman, who I believed was his assistant from the large files she had in her hands.

"This is Wesley Brooks," I began, "He's from Green Energy Industries. And he wants to share a brilliant proposal on a sustainable luxury line."

The tension in the room seemed to shift further as low murmurs erupted from between the board.

I was going to ignore them and let Wesley have the room when Ciara spoke first;

"Green Energy... Natalia, any competent CEO will know that a jewelry company like us, has nothing to do with a Green Lantern whatever."

My heart shifted in irritation and maintaining my smile, I replied. "Ciara, I am glad you remember your formal duties- but for now, I want you to recognize your current position..."

I paused letting the underlying meaning of my words sink in. As her eyes flickered with anger, I smiled.

"Now that you remember what your current role is, please get everyone some refreshments."

Ciara grew red with embarrassment. Her fists opened and closed as she glared at me, but with the board present, she knew better than to wait around.

Letting out a frustrated hiss, she stormed out of the conference room.

"I am sorry for that distraction," I smiled, turning to the board. "If you will allow me, I want to pass the floor to Mr. Wesley himself."

Mr. Marcus, who was the chairman of the board and my dad's close friend, nodded. "Please, we are all a bit confused as to what this could be- but do explain, please."

I gave him a curt nod and signaled to Wesley to take over.

Wesley got up from his seat and his assistant quickly started playing the slide. "Thank you for the opportunity," he said as he pointed to the screen and began his presentation.

My heart was literally in my throat as I held my breath and watched the board's expressions as Wesley went deeper into the plan.

Some still had doubts in their eyes but as the presentation continued, a few nods started coming up much to my relief.

"This was a planned initiative from our side. We've been watching Diamonds closely and since the transition in leadership occured, we believe that this was the perfect move..." Wesley concluded.

And my heart stopped beating as I waited for their response.

Just when I was close to losing my lungs, Mr. Marcus nodded. "I think this is indeed brilliant," he declared and a smile filled my face.

"Yes, I also think that if it works, it could be a strong differentiator. Especially with our Gen Z buyers." Ms. Fiona added.

And relief flooded through me. "So, what do we all think?" I asked, looking around the room.

A few other heads among the eight members of the board also nodded their heads. And I smiled as it became clear that we had a yes.

I pulled out the official document for signatures and I was about to start passing it around when Mr. Marcus spoke again.

"While we are agreeing to this, let's not forget," he said and my heart froze, "-the last time a certain Brooks was involved with this company, we were weeks away from bankruptcy."

As his comment sank in, the room instantly stiffened.

My eyes subtly went to Wesley but he didn't flinch. His calm expression still remained as he simply watched me- like only my opinion mattered to him.

I was almost falling into a trance as my eyes remained fixed on him while Mr. Marcus' question hung in the air.

"I haven't- we haven't forgotten," I quickly replied, "But we can't move forward if we keep looking backward."

The voice failed me as the words didn't come out as strong as I wanted it to. And instantly, I felt it- that seed of doubt spreading like ink in their minds.

"Your caution is fair. Honestly, I respect it." Wesley suddenly offered, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, I am glad you do. Because the last Brook brother we had didn't even respect our office space, talk more of our values!" Mr. Marcus hissed and I could already understand what he meant.

Robert had shamelessly turned the company to his cheap hotel. Cheating on me like the dog he was!

"But I'm not here to charm my way into deals." Wesley replied, his eyes finally moving to Marcus. "I came with a pitch, a product, and data to back both up. Please allow me the opportunity to earn the rest."

I couldn't tell if it was just in my head but something about the way he said it, made me get lost staring at him once more.

-It was almost as if he wasn't just talking about the partnership anymore... As if there was something more.

"Fine then. We are going to give you the opportunity," Mr. Marcus said and the room erupted in mumbled agreements.

As they signed the document and exited the room one after the other, I couldn't help but move my attention back to Wesley.

I couldn't deny it. He definitely had a presence. That infuriating Brooks polish. But he also had something steadier underneath...

Something that dangerously drew me to him.

I was still lost in my thoughts when Beth slipped into the room, her face masked with worry.

Instantly, I blinked out of my daze and turned to her with worry. "Beth, What is it?"

There were worry lines on her face as she leaned into my ears and whispered. "The police are here..."