ALICE’S POV.
I poured my coffee into my cup, my mind drifted to the daunting meeting I had scheduled for later. This was a big one-a chance to prove myself not just to Liam, but to everyone who doubted me.
Just as I was about to take a sip of my coffee, Elizabeth walked into the kitchen. Her presence is starting to annoy me even more, she’s just everywhere.
“Good morning, Alice,” Elizabeth said, her voice soft. ” Morning ..,” I rolled my eyes.
She gave me a smile and slowly walked toward the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. “You look like you have a lot on your mind.”
I wanted to ignore her but no, I decided to annoy her as much as she annoyed me.
I turned toward her and managed a small smile. ” My lovey sweetheart entrusted his deal into my hands yesterday and now I have a big meeting today to attend. It’s… important.” I drawled the last part.
Elizabeth’s eyes lit up with an idea. “You know, maybe I could come with you? Just for support. I could drive you there. Sometimes it helps to have someone by your side”.
Oh please, I know Elizabeth, she probably wants to ruin everything. I knew well that trusting Elizabeth is unwise, and bringing her into such a crucial part of my day isrisky. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I can manage.”
Her face fell, and she bit her lip. “Alice, please. I really want to help. I want to make things right between us. Let me do this for you. I know you don’t trust me it just this once let me prove I’ve changed”.
Another lie. I actually don’t know what I’m thinking right now but I’m playing her game. “Alright, Elizabeth. You can come with me.” I said with a smirk tugged on my lips. ” Thanks Alice,” She beamed happily.
___
We arrived at the office, and I asked Elizabeth to stay behind while I went to attend the meeting.
I took a deep breath before stepping into the boardroom. The atmosphere was tense; the partners were already seated. I feel as if the ground should open up and swallow me, their gaze were piercing into my skin, can someone just tell them to look away and ignore me?.
“Mrs. Turner, nice of you to join us,” Mr. Hastings said with a hint of sarcasm.
I forced a polite smile. “Thank you for your patience. Let’s get started.”
As I began the presentation, the room’s energy shifted from dismissive to outright hostile. Questions flew at me like darts, each one more challenging than the last. My confidence wavered, and I could feel the meeting slipping out of my control.
” So what will happen if this project fails and the public don’t buy it. I mean did you consider the public at all, this project lacks concise preparation, it is only aimed at gains but without considering losses. Do you have a backup plan Mrs. Turner if this project fails? ?” Mr. Hastings scoffed, leaning back in his chair.
” No,” I muttered softly. ” This project is trash, you’ve got no backup plan. This is plainly amateur work.”
My heart pounded in my chest. I opened my mouth to respond but I could utter notice, bids of sweat formed on my head, I was ruining everything!.
Just then the door opened up and Elizabeth walked in, and what is she doing here, to add to my troubles?. Oh please, I don’t need that now.
“Excuse me,” she said, drawling all the attention to herself. “Mrs. Turner has worked tirelessly on this presentation. If you have concerns, let’s address them constructively.”
Mr. Hastings’ eyebrows shot up. “And you are?”
“Elizabeth Benson,” she said, her voice steady. “Alice’s sister. And I’m here to ensure this meeting is conducted with the respect it deserves.”
The room fell silent, and I could see the surprise in everyone’s eyes. Elizabeth continued, her confidence filling the room.
“Let’s go over the projections again,” she suggested. “I’m sure any concerns can be clarified.”
Her assertiveness turned the tide. We went through each point meticulously, and by the end of the meeting, the partners were nodding in agreement. Even Mr. Hastings seemed placated.
” So as you can see, the possibility of losses was placed into consideration but that won’t be given enough time to happen because the public will be so captivated by the display that they would purchase the products immediately. As a result of this the company’s honor and prestige will be uphold with just little work in place and this project won’t only be a success but the best this company ever produced,” She concluded.
Everyone suddenly applauded her, they all had smiles on their faces.
” This project will be made to commence immediately, tell Me. Turner we will be having a meeting with him on Tuesday on sign the deal,” Mrs. Wilson said.
” Thank you ma’am. I would inform him?,” I looked over at Elizabeth, was I wrong to treat her badly. She really saved me today.
As the partners filed out, Elizabeth turned to me with a triumphant smile. “You did great, Alice.”
“No,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude. “You did. Thank you, Elizabeth.”
_______
“Liam, you wouldn’t believe it, we got the contract!.” I announced immediately he walked in. His lips curved up into a smile, ” I knew you would be able to do it!”, He smiled.
” Actually I didn’t, Elizabeth did,” I said softly and the. his smile slowly faded away. ” I was nervous and couldn’t utter a think, my brain was blank and I thought I’d lose the deal, but she stepped in and handled everything perfectly.”
Liam cleared his throat, walking past me. . “Is that so?”
“Yes,” I continued, not noticing Liam’s changed mood. “I don’t know what I would have done without her.” I breathe out.
“Interesting,” Liam said, his tone icy. “I suppose we should be grateful.”
” Yes Liam, I…”. ” Is dinner ready?,” Liam interrupted me. ” Yes,” I replied. ” Can I have dinner now?. I’m starving!, ” He rubbed his stomach.
” Sure, ” I gave him a sweet smile before rushing into the kitchen.
LIAM’S POV.
That witch!. Elizabeth isn’t to be trusted and I thought Alice knew that but no, she had to trust her!.
I’m sure she hasn’t changed one bit, she wants to sway Alice into liking her, and then she can manipulate her.
I won’t let that happen!. She needs to leave my home first thing tomorrow morning!.