Jason's POV
The meeting was scheduled to start at 10 o'clock. Even though I had two ideas, the latest one I refined was the best. Not only would it give us the upper hand when dealing with Adkins Real Estate, but offering a small percentage of shares wouldn't hurt our company—especially with the legal clause preventing their sale for a set period.
My life has always revolved around Drakos Corporation. It's been eight years since I started as a sales executive, and now, here I am. Ever since the CEO took control, everything has been about performance and talent. That doesn't mean there's no influence or toxic nepotism—it still exists. Even he couldn't completely eliminate it, but at least it has been significantly reduced. For everything this company has done for me, I will give my best, I thought.
At 9:50, we arrived at the boardroom on the top floor. For some reason, Ms. Wilson was smirking at me. I didn't want to comment, but the entire office knew she was the daughter of one of the board directors, dominating the sales department—but not in a good way. I sighed. I had no interest in getting involved with people like her.
At exactly 10 o'clock, the boardroom door opened.
Wow. He really is a man of punctuality. The way he walks, the way he talks—his entire demeanor exudes power and control. For some reason, I admire him.
We bid him good morning, and I noticed Ms. Wilson standing uncomfortably close to him. Great. More of her theatrics. I sighed internally.
But he didn't even acknowledge her presence. Another wow. The frustration on her face was evident, and Ireally want to laugh out loud but in private, after this meeting was over.
He sat at the center of the table. "Our time is valuable. Let's skip the formalities and start the presentation," he said.
I was about to stand when Ms. Wilson beat me to it, confidently walking toward the presentation stage. She shot me another smirk before she started speaking.
What does she want? I cursed internally.
Then, as she began presenting, my heart nearly stopped. The slides looked familiar....too familiar. My eyes widened, and sweat ran down my back. My hands started trembling. It was my presentation.
I snapped open my laptop, frantically searching for my files. The draft, the final proposal...everything. The entire folder was empty.
How? Just… how?
Something clicked in my mind.
Earlier, just before the meeting, I received a call from reception.
"Mr. Brown, someone is here to see you."
"Can you ask them to wait? I have an urgent meeting."
"She says it's an emergency and will only take five minutes."
I asked for her name, but the receptionist said she was waiting outside.
I sighed. "Fine, I'll be right there."
When I reached the lobby, no one was there. I asked the receptionist again, and she said the person had been waiting outside. I stepped out and looked around...nothing.
I checked the time. I couldn't afford to miss this meeting, so I hurried back upstairs, planning to deal with it later.
Now it all made sense.
How cruel.
I clenched my fists, ready to retaliate.
But she was the daughter of a major shareholder. She must have planned this meticulously.
I had no proof. No choice.
Taking a deep breath, I said, "Mr. Smith, please take over after Ms. Wilson is done."
He nodded.
I still had time. Though the second idea was technically a draft, it was nearly complete. With a few modifications, I could make it work. I immediately started making adjustments, pretending to take notes as Ms. Wilson wrapped up her presentation.
She flashed a bright smile—too bright. To me, it looked nothing short of cunning.
This b***ch I cursed mentally.
Mr. Drakos seemed impressed. Of course, he would be.
Then Lucas completed his presentation.
Now, it was my turn.
I stood up, completed my presentation, I fully aware that while my proposal was good, it wasn't as polished as the one Isabella had just stolen. She had clearly won, and without evidence, I couldn't accuse her.
Just as I opened my mouth—
"Mr. Drakos," Isabella interrupted. "You've been silent the entire time. If you have any questions, we'd be happy to answer them."
That wasn't a statement. That was flirting.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Ugh. I feel like puking.
Mr. Drakos remained expressionless. "I reviewed all the proposals before this meeting. Except for Mr. Brown's. Ms. Wilson, you did a great job."
What?
That's right. We submitted our proposals earlier. Mine was definitely submitted.
How did it get replaced with hers?
I was confused, furious, and helpless all at once.
"Ms. Wilson, congratulations. Lead the team and close the deal. We should be signing the contracts as soon as possible."
She nodded with a bright smile.
Ughhhhh....
He stood. "The meeting is over."
Then, just before walking out, he turned slightly. "Mr. Brown, meet me in my office."
What?
I was done for.
As Isabella walked past me, she smirked.
Gosh. Disgusting.
I really wanted to k*ll her.