THE MEETING CONFLICT
The conference room of the Grand Meridian Hotel buzzed with quiet conversations as representatives from some of the biggest companies in the city prepared for the annual business partnership summit.
Elena Carter adjusted the files in her hands and took a deep breath.
This would be one of her last meetings representing Carter Solutions before she moved on to a new chapter in her career.
After three successful years with the company, countless completed projects, and a reputation as one of their most reliable employees, she had decided it was time to explore bigger opportunities.
A month ago, she had accepted an offer from one of the most powerful corporations in the country—
The Hayes Group.
However, before joining her new company, she had promised her current employer that she would finish the projects she had started.
This meeting was one of them.
"Ready?" her manager asked.
Elena nodded confidently.
"I was born ready."
The meeting began smoothly until the doors of the conference room opened.
The room immediately fell silent.
Every executive straightened in their seats.
Several people exchanged nervous glances.
Elena frowned slightly.
Who exactly had walked in?
Without sparing anyone a glance, the man walked toward the head of the table and took his seat.
Dark suit.
Sharp features.
Cold expression.
An ego large enough to fill the room.
He looked less like a businessman and more like someone who was used to the entire world moving according to his schedule.
Elena rolled her eyes internally.
Typical corporate arrogance.
As the presentation progressed, Elena confidently presented her company's strategy for the partnership.
Before she could continue to the next slide, the man interrupted.
"This projection is unrealistic."
His voice was calm but dismissive.
Elena looked up.
"Excuse me?"
"The numbers are optimistic at best and irresponsible at worst."
The room fell silent.
No one challenged him.
Apparently, everyone was too busy being intimidated.
Unfortunately for him, Elena Carter had never been good at staying quiet.
"With all due respect," she replied, maintaining her professional smile, "the projections are based on market analysis from the last three quarters."
He leaned back in his chair.
"Then your analysts need better market analysis."
A few people shifted uncomfortably.
Elena's jaw tightened.
"Or perhaps," she said, "someone didn't read the report before criticizing it."
The room froze.
Someone dropped their pen.
Her manager looked seconds away from fainting.
For the first time, the man's expression changed.
Not anger.
Interest.
"You're bold."
"And you're rude."
Several executives stared at her as if she had just signed her own resignation letter.
The corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly.
"Interesting."
The meeting ended shortly afterward.
As Elena gathered her files, she muttered under her breath,
"Arrogant jerk."
"What was that?" her colleague whispered.
"Nothing."
As she walked toward the exit, she turned back one last time.
The man was already surrounded by executives and board members.
Whoever he was, she hoped she would never have to see him again.
Unfortunately for her, fate had other plans.
Because next month, Elena Carter would walk into her new office at The Hayes Group...
...only to discover that the arrogant stranger from the meeting was none other than her new boss.
Damien Hayes.
