50 Chapter 50 – Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
“Outstanding work, Liam. The security features are impressive. Your company definitely needs this system,” Allen declared with conviction. D
“I’m equally impressed. I had no idea your firm had developed something this sophisticated, Adrian,” Damian added his endorsement.
“I won’t accept that money, Damian. Don’t persist, I want nothing from an
any of hope you won’t push this issue and create additional problems,” I fixed him with a
you. I
stern look that left no room for negotiation.
“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.”
“Yes, I’m aware. I’m going to miss her terribly,” I admitted, feeling genuine sadness about Evelyn’s departure.
“Let’s move past it, Damian. You’ve already cleared everything up. It’s irrelevant now.”
“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.
“Excellent, so you’ll attend Evelyn’s party tomorrow and return to the company?” Damian said quickly.
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. 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?
“I’m moving forward, Damian. I harbor no resentment toward you. Don’t worry about
it.”
50 Chapter 50 Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
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, anticipating each other’s points throughout the presentation. When the formal presentation concluded, the questions began flooding in. I addressed every concern with confidence while my
periors beamed with pride at my comprehensive responses.
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.
“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.
Chapter 50 – Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
“Fine, I’ll consider it. Thank you for the invitation. You’re a genuine friend, and I miss our lunch meetings,” I said sincerely.
“Hazel, supporting Liam doesn’t justify acting unfairly. I was wrong. Just like him. I should have responded like Evelyn, Owen, and Allen, who never questioned your loyalty for even a moment.”
“Nobody needs to grovel, Damian. We’re fine, and you don’t require forgiveness,” I assured him with a smile.
“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. The formal meeting dissolved into casual conversation. My former colleagues surrounded me with warm embraces and enthusiastic greetings about how much they’d missed me. Liam remained in his seat, watching everything unfold with unreadable eyes.
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.
“It absolutely matters. And I genuinely want your forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
50 Chapter 50–Professional Triumph and Persistent Pursuit
“Hazel, you remember Evelyn’s farewell celebration is tomorrow, right?” Owen drew me toward the back corner of the room, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
“Pardon the interruption, Owen, but one of those morons wants to make amends,” Damian announced, appearing behind me. Owen excused himself and departed.
Damian slipped the check into his jacket’s inner pocket, smiled warmly at me, exited the room. I found his determination oddly endearing and smiled back at him.
“Absolutely, sir. I’m here to assist however needed.” I settled into the chair and switched into professional mode.
and
“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.
“Alright, Damian, stop torturing yourself,” I said, attempting to conclude this
conversation.
“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.
“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.”
“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. “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.”
“Neither option is happening. I’m never entering that building again,” I stated firmly.
“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.
DE VRUGTE EN Conturen tingh our taisnas TALİ
Rish Themen verdant er to east minentiately though Freed
suppose I’ll eat to hug free your forghened toes, won’t
abendutils de Heel 1 offered com friendship, and when you needed support, 1 faders vem complendy 1 feel terrible about being such a coward.”
“You’re being stubborn Hazel” Damian tail 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 yes will return to us
Hazel’s POV
But Hap. I thought you forgave me. Damian looked genuinely confused.
Liam surveves his team members, silently gauging their reactions
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