50 Chapter 50 – Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
Chapter 50 – Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
Hazel’s POV
I glanced around the conference room, feeling completely lost. The assembly was unusual. Besides Mr. Morris and myself, there sat Chloe, Mr. West, Liam, Damian, Owen, Evelyn, and Allen.
What kind of meeting was this? I caught Chloe’s eye, and she offered a helpless shrug. She looked just as bewildered as I felt. Mr. West gestured toward an empty chair positioned directly beside Liam. Seriously?
My suspicions flared immediately. This had to be another one of Liam’s elaborate schemes to corner me into conversation. Obviously, he had zero intention of purchasing our software system. Still, I would maintain my professionalism and deliver my best performance. At least Mr. Morris could witness my capabilities firsthand.
“Hazel, I requested your attendance because of your extensive experience with Collective Sterling and your intimate knowledge of their current challenges,” Adrian explained, seemingly reading my thoughts. “I know you’re an exceptional professional who can handle this situation.” “Absolutely, sir. I’m here to assist however needed.” I settled into the chair and switched into professional mode.
Mr. Morris launched into the software demonstration while I contributed strategic insights and technical opinions. Our collaboration flowed seamlessly. We operated like a well–oiled machine,
When the formal presentation concluded, the questions began flooding in. I addressed every concern with confidence while my superiors beamed with pride at my comprehensive responses.
anticipating each other’s points throughout the presentation
Liam surveyed his team members, silently gauging their reactions.
“Outstanding work, Liam. The security features are impressive. Your company definitely needs this system,” Allen declared with conviction.
“I’m equally impressed. I had no idea your firm had developed something this sophisticated, Adrian, Damian added his endorsement.
“Perfect. Adrian, send over the proposal documents, and we’ll finalize this deal,” Liam announced in that authoritative business tone that made him dangerously attractive.
Chloe circulated folders containing the detailed proposal, and their decision came without hesitation. Everything was settled on the spot, with only the service contract signing scheduled for the following week.
The formal meeting dissolved into casual conversation. My former colleagues surrounded me
<
50 Chapter 50 Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
with warm embraces and enthusiastic greetings about how much they’d missed me. Liam remained in his seat, watching everything unfold with unreadable eyes.
“Hazel, you remember Evelyn’s farewell celebration is tomorrow, right?” Owen drew me t toward the back corner of the room, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
“Yes, I’m aware. I’m going to miss her terribly,” I admitted, feeling genuine sadness about Evelyn’s departure.
“We all will. But this opportunity is perfect for her career, and management decided she’ll return monthly for consultations. I guess nobody at that company can function without Evelyn’s expertise.” This was news to me, but I felt relieved knowing we could maintain contact. Owen continued, “Your name and Chloe’s are both on the guest list. You absolutely cannot miss this
event.”
“Owen, I’m not attending. There’s no way I’m stepping foot in that building again. I refuse to risk being humiliated and escorted out a second time,” I said defensively.
“Who’s going to remove you? Everything’s been resolved. They never should have questioned your integrity in the first place,” Owen spoke as if my welcome was obvious.
“It might appear resolved, Owen. But Liam’s treatment and Damian’s accusatory stare that day caused real damage. I have no desire to return there, I said, fighting back tears.
“Beautiful lady, I’ve already confronted Damian about his behavior. He was completely wrong not to defend you. And Liam, don’t get me started on that fool. But you have to come, for Evelyn’s sake, Owen insisted.
“Fine, I’ll consider it. Thank you for the invitation. You’re a genuine friend, and I miss our lunch meetings,” I said sincerely.
“Then let’s schedule regular lunches again. How about Saturday? I want you to meet my wife. She’s also furious with those two morons,” Owen said with a hearty laugh.
“Pardon the interruption, Owen, but one of those morons wants to make amends,” Damian announced, appearing behind me. Owen excused himself and departed.
“Listen, Damian, you don’t owe me any apology,” I said immediately, though I remained quite upset with him..
“I absolutely do, Hazel. I offered you friendship, and when you needed support, I failed you completely. I feel terrible about being such a coward,”
“Damian, I understand you received information that implicated me. It’s unfortunate you accepted it as absolute truth without proper investigation. But I comprehend your position. After all, you and Liam share a brotherhood and you felt obligated to support him,” I said, avoiding eye contact.
“Hazel, supporting Liam doesn’t justify acting unfairly. I was wrong. Just like him. I should have
50 Chapter 50- Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
responded like Evelyn, Owen, and Allen, who never questioned your loyalty for even a moment.”
“Let’s move past it, Damian. You’ve already cleared everything up. It’s irrelevant now.”
“It absolutely matters. And I genuinely want your forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
“Alright, Damian, stop torturing yourself,” I said, attempting to conclude this conversation,
“Excellent, so you’ll attend Evelyn’s party tomorrow and return to the company?” Damian said. quickly.
“Neither option is happening. I’m never entering that building again,” I stated firmly.
“But Hazel, I thought you forgave me,” Damian looked genuinely confused.
“I’m moving forward, Damian. I harbor no resentment toward you. Don’t worry about it.”
“I suppose I’ll need to beg for your forgiveness too, won’t I?”
“Nobody needs to grovel, Damian. We’re fine, and you don’t require forgiveness, I assured him with a smile.
“Understood. We’ll earn you back,” Damian said with a confident wink. “One more thing, Hazel. I brought your final paycheck. You completed the work, so you deserve compensation.”
“I won’t accept that money, Damian. Don’t persist, I want nothing from any of you. I hope you won’t push this issue and create additional problems,” I fixed him with a stern look that left no room for negotiation.
“You’re being stubborn, Hazel, Damian said with a sigh. “And you have every right to be. I’m sorry everything is so damaged, and it’s our responsibility. But we’ll work tirelessly to earn your forgiveness. And you will return to us.”
Damian slipped the check into his jacket’s inner pocket, smiled warmly at me, and exited the room. I found his determination oddly endearing and smiled back at him.
Comment
