6
499words
It was a rare and massive opportunity.Every big or small company wanted to compete it.
I was no exception.
As expected,I spotted Natalie and Ethan at the event.
Even when they were sitting together, they kept holding hands.
Obviously, they are already boyfriend and girlfriend.
Sitting behind them,I overheard their whispers.
“Dear brother,baby worked so hard on this proposal.Just wait—baby’s gonna shine!”Natalie chirped confidently.
Ethan doted,tweaking her nose.“I know,baby’s the hardest worker with the most talent.”
They laughed heartily, not caring at all about what the occasion was.
I watched,amused,until a deep voice teased,“Emma, I also excited for your performance too.”
Grayson mimicked Natalie’s coy tone and winked for me.
I rubbed my goosebumps,punching his arm.“Be serious.”
He chuckled and straightened up.
The bidding began,companies presenting in turn.
Natalie’s turn came.She smoothed her skirt and strutted to the stage.
Her PPT opened with a pink Minnie Mouse.
Snickers rippled through the room,but she pressed on,unveiling her plan.
Every slide was bubblegum pink,paired with her grating,high-pitched voice—indescribable.
The front-row judges’frowns deepened.When she proposed cosplay greeters,one cut her off.
“Miss,what’s the concept behind your plan?”
All eyes fixed on Natalie.
“My design...emm”she stammered and her eyes became darting nervously.
“Baby doesn’t know…wahhh…”She crouched,sobbing into her knees.
We are all adults and should know how to control our emotions.
Who’d seen such a public meltdown?
The judges shook their heads.
Ethan’s face was a spectacle.Their expo bid was doomed.
Natalie was escorted offstage,mortified.
Now it's my turn to come to the stage and introduce the project.
The expo focused on public books,emphasizing children’s educational titles.
Natalie’s direction wasn’t wrong,but her taste was abysmal.
I’d researched the books and planned thoroughly.My clear,concise slides clicked with the audience.
The judges’nods told me I’d nailed it.
Post-event,I was invited to sign the contract.
Everything went smoothly.Grayson and I headed to the parking lot,laughing.
Ethan,like a ghost,waited by our car.
“Emma,can we collaborate on this expo?”He flashed a rare,warm smile.
I’d forgotten when he last spoke to me kindly.
If he hadn't asked me to cooperate, I wouldn't have seen his kind face.
But On what basis does he think I will agree to his request?
“No.”I brushed past him toward the car.
He grabbed my wrist and shouted.“Emma!”
“Let go!”Grayson slapped his wrist,forcing him to release me.
“Emma said no.Didn't you hear that?? If you touch her again,and I won’t be polite.”
Grayson’s stern face,paired with his earlier takedown, and cowed Ethan.
He stood aside,pleading softly,“Emma…”
I ignored him and slided into Grayson’s passenger seat.
The car sped off and left Ethan in a cloud of exhaust.
I knew why he begged me.
His company’s cash flow was drying up,desperate for funds.
Losing Grayson’s investment,this expo’s advance was his lifeline.
But I wouldn’t help, even if I still have shares in his company.
I’d wait for his company to collapse,then acquire it with my new firm.
Break it to remake it—that was my plan.
