DYSON’S CORP
“What do you mean by that sir? Why do I have to present the proposal in front of all the whole board of directors?” Andrew asked in surprise.
“It’s an order from the chairman and I can’t go against it. I guess he wants to see how well his son in law is doing.” Andrew’s boss said.
“Why wasn’t I told beforehand about this? I’m not even prepared.”
“You’re the best amongst all of my subordinates. You always submit the best proposals amongst your peers. Besides…. since you prepared the proposal yourself, presenting it wouldn’t be so hard.”
“But..”
“You should see it as a good thing. If he likes the way you present your proposal, you might get a big promotion. Good luck Andrew.” His boss gave him a small pat on the back before leaving.
Andrew stood motionlessly as he tried to think of a way out. He had never bothered to read any of the proposals Catherine prepared for him because they were always good and he didn’t even need to present it.
What was he going to do now?? He checked the time through his wrist watch and saw that he only had about thirty minutes till the presentation starts so he decided to take that time to read the presentation.
If it works out well, he would be able to gain the approval of Hector and that would give him an upper hand in the company. He just need stop read a little and then improvise on the rest.
He opened the file and set to work. While on the first page, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket so he pulled it out only to see Amara’s name flashing on the screen. He was about to pick it when one of his coworkers walked up to him.
“Andrew… it’s time for the presentation.” The man announced.
“What?? But we still have about twenty minutes left.” Andrew said as he glanced momentarily at his wrist watch.
“The chairman came in earlier than expected so we have to do the presentation now. You know he’s a busy man and we can’t keep him waiting.” His coworker said before leaving for the meeting room.
Andrew grumbled within himself before dropping his ringing phone on the desk. He picked up the file, arranged his suit before heading towards the meeting room.
When he entered the large room, he was greeted with numerous pairs of eyes staring at him in anticipation. Amongst all of the eyes on him, only one gave him chills.
He took in a deep breath, cleared his throat before he introduced himself. He shared photocopied files to all of the directors before he proceeded to make his speech. He was about to start when he heard a large scoff in the audience.
“What’s the meaning of this nonsense?” One of them asked as he stared at the file Andrew shared. Andrew felt the greatest anxiety of his life when he noticed the disapproving and angry looks from all the board directors.
“W.. what’s wrong??” He stuttered out nervously as he stared at his file but couldn’t find anything wrong with it.
“Is he plain stupid or he doesn’t really know what’s happening?” Another director muttered.
Andrew didn’t know what was going on so he turned to his boss for help only to receive a disappointed look from him.
“You really had the guts to present to us an already used proposal. Do you think we are fools??” The oldest looking director uttered.
“Used proposal??” Andrew thought within himself as he glanced at the proposal again. He has never bothered to read any proposals before so he didn’t even know he submitted an already used one.
“But Catherine was the one that prepared everything for me. How did the proposal turn out to be an used one??” He asked himself. He knew Catherine wasn’t that stupid to prepare a used proposal for him.
“Or did I take the wrong one??” He asked himsel again.
“This is what happens when we hire workers because of their connections and not because of their hardwork.” Another director said without fear.
“How was he able to get into the Dyson family in the first place?? What a big disgrace!!” Andrew’s anxiety increased as murmurs filled the room. His eyes were fixed mainly on Hector, Catherine’s father who hadn’t said a word since.
When he couldn’t bear the humiliation and side murmurs anymore; “I’m so sorry…. I’ll prepare another proposal.” He said with a shaky voice.
“There’s no need for that, you’ve lost your chance to prove yourself.” Beads of sweat formed on Andrew’s forehead when he heard the voice.
Hector moved his eyes away from the nervous stricken Andrew and turned to the board members who had given him their attention.
” I want to use this medium to announce a new addition to the company.” He said and shared a small look with his assistant. The door to the meeting room was pushed open by his assistant and Catherine walked in gracefully.
I held my head high up as I walked into the meeting hall. I was greeted with pairs of shocked eyes. The once quiet room turned into a sudden uproar due to my presence. I ignored Andrew’s shocked look and stood in front of all the directors.
“Silence!!” Dad said and the room became silent immediately.
“Since everyone knows who she is, there’s no need for any introduction. Catherine here would be joining this company as a director of the planning team.” Dad announced and the whole room turned into another uproar.
“Why should she be given such a big role even though she left the company for almost two years now?” One asked.
“Many people worked for that position but it would just be handed to her like it’s a birthright all because she’s the chairman’s daughter.”
“This company has really turned into a family’s business.” The murmurs continued so I decided to step in when I saw the angry look on dad’s face.
“Good morning everyone. I know that my sudden departure from the company caused a huge stir and now coming back might cause a lot of discomfort for everyone here but I promise that I would strive to keep this conpany as it is and even make it better.”
“And how do you intend to do that? Talking is much easier than actually putting in the effort.” A director said, mokery laced in his voice earning snickers from everyone around.
I didn’t let that get to me. Instead, I stood my ground. “To prove myself to you all, I have prepared a proposal that if taken into action, would be enough to help our company be listed amongst the top ten in the country.” I said and proceeded to share the proposal I had previously prepared for Andrew.
Rounds of applause resounded in the room after I was done with my short speech.
“I have to admit, this is really good. The best proposal I have ever seen.” The same director who had mocked me earlier praised and all the directors nodded in agreement.
“I apologize sincerely for what I said earlier. I judged you too soon. I believe I’m speaking on the behalf of the rest directors when I say welcome back to the company Mrs. Dyson.” The director added and the rest directors clapped again.
“Thank you so much for receiving. I promise to work hard with you all to make this company a better one.” I said again with a small bow and the applause got louder.
I looked up and stared at father. He gave me a look filled with praise and admiration before he exited the room with his assistant. The directors left one by one after exchanging greetings with me till it was just I and Andrew that were left in the room.
I didn’t fail to notice the furious look on his face but I didn’t care. Now he understands the amount of humiliation he makes me pass through on a daily basis.
Don’t falter yet Andrew. Little by little, I’ll take back everything you’ve stolen from me. This is only the beginning. I returned his angry glare with a wide smirk before exiting the room.