The following morning, I wake up with a knot of anxiety in my stomach, my mind already racing with thoughts of the impending meeting with the Alpha of the Crescent pack and the CEO of the resort. I take extra care in getting ready, my hands trembling slightly as I smooth out my knee-length dress, the fabric hugging my curves in a way that makes me feel both confident and vulnerable. I check my reflection one last time, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves before stepping out of my room.
As I gather the files needed for the meeting, a sense of trepidation washes over me. This is my first business meeting without supervision, and the weight of responsibility sits heavily on my shoulders. I can’t afford to mess this up, not when M Corp’s reputation is on the line.
With each step towards the office section of the resort, my heart pounds faster, my palms growing clammy. I pause outside the meeting room, closing my eyes and blowing out a shaky breath, trying to calm the butterflies rioting in my stomach. You can do this, Hannah, I tell myself firmly, squaring my shoulders and reaching for the doorknob.
The moment I step inside, my eyes widen in shock, my stomach plummeting as I see who sits at the head of the table. It’s him, the pervert from last night, a smirk playing on his lips as he regards me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. I can’t believe he is the Alpha of the Crescent pack and CEO of the resort. I’m doomed.
“Would you look at that?” he drawls, his gaze raking over me in a way that makes my skin crawl.
“Good morning, everyone,” I manage to say, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears as I pointedly ignore his comment and take my seat. The presence of others in the room brings a small measure of relief, but it does little to quell the unease churning in my gut.
As the meeting begins, the Alpha’s secretary starts to speak, but the pervert cuts her off. “Why don’t Miss…” he trails off, arching an expectant brow at me.
“Hannah. Hannah Jefferson,” I supply, my voice wavering slightly as I clear my throat, trying to project a confidence I don’t feel.
“Why don’t Miss Jefferson tell us why we should use M Corp as our investors rather than other companies?” he suggests a challenge glinting in his eyes.
My breath catches in my throat, panic clawing at my insides. This isn’t how the meeting is supposed to go. They are supposed to pitch to us why we should invest in them, and then I bring to their attention the issues we have with the resort, and they tell me how to solve them to achieve the best outcome for both parties.
“We’re waiting, Miss Jefferson,” he prompts, a smug smile tugging at his lips as he gestures to the front of the table.
I search my brain frantically, my palms growing clammy as I try to figure out how to handle this unexpected turn of events. This is my first assignment, and I can’t mess it up for M Corp, not when I haven’t even been working for a week.
With shaking hands, I smooth out my dress and rise to my feet, making my way to the front of the room. I can feel the Alpha’s intense gaze on me, his eyes never leaving my face as I take my position. It’s unsettling, the way he looks at me as if he can see right through me, and I have to fight the urge to squirm under his scrutiny.
I take a deep breath, calling upon every ounce of knowledge and preparation I poured into this meeting.
“Thank you for the opportunity to share why an investment from M Corp would be extremely beneficial for your resort project. Allow me to highlight a few key reasons:
First, M Corp has an impressive track record of successful investments and partnerships. Over the past 5 years, the companies in our portfolio have seen their revenues grow an average of 15% annually, outpacing the market. We have the financial resources and business acumen to help our partners thrive.” As I begin to speak, my voice grows stronger and more confident, the words flowing from my lips with a passion and conviction I didn’t know I possessed. I can do this, I realize, a flicker of pride igniting in my chest.
“Second, we take a long-term, strategic view with our investments. Unlike some firms that may pressure you for quick returns, we believe in providing patient capital and working closely with management to drive sustained growth. We have experience guiding companies at all stages to scale smartly and achieve profitability.
Third, our team brings deep expertise in the hospitality and leisure space. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing resort developments today. Our network and knowledge can help you navigate operational issues, connect with the right vendors and partners, and stay ahead of the latest industry trends.
Most importantly, we believe in relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared values. M Corp will be a true partner to you, not just a source of capital. We’re excited about your vision for this resort and committed to helping you bring it to life. We’ll be there to provide strategic counsel and roll up our sleeves to problem-solve alongside you.”
Throughout my presentation, I can feel the Alpha’s eyes on me, his gaze heavy with an intensity that would make any unmated she-wolf weak in the knees. But not me. I’m marked, and his blatant disregard for that fact only fuels my determination to prove myself, to show him that I’m more than just a pretty face.
“In summary, with M Corp you’ll gain a well-capitalized, experienced investor aligned with your long-term interests and equipped with relevant industry expertise. We’re confident our partnership can create substantial value and achieve something truly special with this resort. I look forward to exploring how we can work together. Thank you.”
As I wrap up my pitch, the Alpha begins to clap, a slow, deliberate sound that echoes through the room. “Not only is she beautiful, but she also has brains,” he remarks, that infuriating grin still plastered on his face.
I bite back the scathing retort that dances on the tip of my tongue, forcing a smile instead. “Thank you, Alpha Collin,” I say, my voice saccharine sweet as I make my way back to my seat, my heart pounding with a mixture of relief and anger.
His secretary then takes the floor to detail their resort plans and projections. I listen intently, jotting down notes and formulating questions. When she finishes, I rise again.
“You’ve presented a compelling vision for the resort. However, I do have some concerns about the potential risks and how you plan to address them.” I proceed to outline the issues I foresee and press for more details on their mitigation strategies. To my surprise, Alpha Collin provides thoughtful, thorough responses that show they have considered the challenges carefully. Reluctantly, I have to admit I’m impressed by his business acumen, even if I still dislike him personally.
We wrap up the meeting an hour later. As I gather my things to leave, Alpha Collin approaches me with that irritating smirk still on his face. “Join me for lunch, Miss Jefferson. I’d like to discuss this partnership further.”
Every instinct scream at me to refuse, to put as much distance between myself and this infuriating man as possible. But I know I need to do whatever it takes to seal this deal for M Corp and make him forgive me for the slap I gave him yesterday.
So, with a smile that feels more like a grimace, I accept his invitation, steeling myself for whatever fresh hell awaits me. “Lead the way, Alpha Collin.”
As I follow him out, my mind races with strategies on how to handle this powerful, irksome man and ensure a favorable outcome for M Corp. I refuse to let his arrogance derail my mission. Squaring my shoulders, I mentally gird myself for the challenges ahead. Failure is not an option.