Sophia’s POV
My cheeks burned not in embarrassment but in anger as my hands balled up in fists.
Jerry Baxter was being unprofessional just to get at me for daring to come to this meeting and question his dear project.
Uncertain murmurs began to travel in the room but I didn’t let it get to me. Instead, I faced Jerry Baxter head on.
“I agree, Mr Baxter, everyone on this table is more experienced than I am which is why I am surprised no one is objecting to this expansion despite its many flaws.”
Jerry’s face was a glacier mask daring me to continue to push him when he spoke.
“And what flaws would you be referring to, Mrs Prescott?”
I ignored the mocking tone in Jerry’s voice as I spoke.
“Samsung is an established brand in Asia while Baxter Corporation is still struggling to make a name for themselves there. Bringing out a new line in a field already dominated by a reputed brand is foolhardy.”
The room was so silent you could have heard a pin drop as I spoke, the entire board listening to me intently.
“Especially when this new technology we wish to incorporate has only been tested for six months. If these new electronics flop in Asia, not only will Baxter Corporation lose millions, but we will also lose what little credibility we have in Asia.” I concluded and the silence seemed to turn pensive as though the board members were currently considering my words.
I was saying the truth, not just trying to discredit Jerry so I hoped they listened to me.
Jerry’s jaw worked, his blue eyes flashing with barely banked annoyance then he gave me a fake smile.
“All valid points, Mrs Prescott,” Jerry nodded graciously. “However this is why we have highly efficient staff, specialists and professionals that have worked with this company for decades ensuring our products are up to par.”
He raised his eyebrows as though daring me to dispute that fact.
“Surely you don’t think you are more knowledgeable than them, Mrs Prescott?”
There was nothing I could say after that that wouldn’t make it seem like I was being unreasonable so I stayed silent.
The board took a vote for the expansion immediately after and it was no surprise to me that most of the board agreed with him and the expansion was approved.
The meeting wrapped up and I left immediately. It wasn’t because of the voting not being in my favor but because of the intense nauseous feeling I had that seemed to have been building steadily from my mild sense of unease this morning.
I headed straight to the restroom closest to the boardroom where I puked up the little crackers and water I had managed to down this morning.
Wonderful, just when I thought I was done with morning sickness. I would need to see my doctor soon to ensure everything was fine with the baby.
I washed up and stepped out of the restroom only to see the last person I expected waiting for me.
What the heck?
“Are you alright?” He asked giving me a once over that almost seemed worried.
“And since when do you care about me, Jerry Baxter?” I folded my arms, my gaze narrowed and distrustful.
Jerry’s jaw tightened and his lips thinned.
“You look pale, Sophia.”
Someone overhearing this conversation might even believe that he cared about me. Funny.
I ignored Jerry walking past him. Or at least I tried to. He moved fast blocking my path.
I tried to move around him but Jerry simply moved with me.
I levelled a glare at him.
“Move out of my way, Jerry Baxter.”
Naturally, he didn’t budge. Instead, Jerry looked down at me, his gaze unreadable.
“You are different.” He said finally.
I rolled my eyes. I would never understand this man. First, he insulted me in front of the entire board, and now he was acting weird. The man needed a psychiatric examination.
“Maybe it was because you never knew me.” I retorted in response then I pushed past him walking away from Jerry Baxter and his confusion.
I had made it all of two steps away when the world blurred around me and my steps faltered as the ground rose up to meet me.
No the ground wasn’t moving, it was me. I was falling.
Jerry’s arms wrapped around my waist catching me just in time, his blue eyes wide with worry.
“Sophia? Are you alright?”
My world slowly reoriented itself and it took me a split second to realize that I was in Jerry’s arms.
His arms were wrapped around my waist in an attempt to keep me from falling.
What the heck!