The Traps of the Black Swan (Book 2)

311

At Palm Island,

Ruby Jane knew the Palm island owner had his way of filtering out the companies. But she hadn't expected him to give the orientation for the palm island. Upon that, the owner, Mr. Palmer didn't bother appearing.

Disregarding all that, she didn't like the way the Palm resort group had organized an itinerary for them. At the beginning of the conference, everyone got to know there would be a video presentation, then lunch break. Later, the companies will get an email if they are eligible for the next round.

None had any idea how they were being filtered so the probability of Skylar earning the project decreased with the other companies.

Then the selected teams would go for island sightseeing with a resort guide. By the end of the day, it will be dinner. The next day, they will get to know who will be selected to proceed.

Ruby Jane, no not just her. Most of the attendees felt like they were in some kind of game show where they didn't know how they were proceeding to the next stage in the game or how they were being eliminated.

There were at least thirty companies around the world that participated after the first filter. There were many presidents or CEOs, Managing directors, and groups representing their companies. The projects teams would be fine to stay as it will serve as their vacation while working on only one project. But it was a different case for Managing directors and operation executive officers.

Understanding, it was unsure how many days they would have to stay on the island by abandoning all other work, they started weighing if the Palm island deserved their excess time. Some who had their schedules tight reached out for their company to meet during lunch.

While having lunch, Ruby Jane heard top management remarking their views about the situation.

"What the hell is going on here? I felt like it's my first day at school and attending orientation." There was annoyance in the tone.

"What is Mr. Palmer is even thinking? We have prepared for business but we are playing games here." There was contempt in their words.

"Are we going to become their puppets by letting them control our schedule?" Irritated one.

"These activities or conferences or whatever it is, if it was just half a day, we could at least work another half from here." He made some sense.

"Exactly, now I have to lose my sleep. And I don't even know how many days this will take." One who was worried about the beauty sleep.

"This is highly unprofessional. And we won't even get to know why we will be out either." One who wasn't ready to accept the rejection.

Ruby Jane shook her head in resignation and grabbed her ice cream. She was about to leave, and the table members caught sight of her.

"President Evans... Omg, I thought we would never get to meet you." The lady in her late thirties smiled as she stood up. "I am Claire Mokh, Managing director of Fallart, Noka branch." She extended her hand for a handshake.

Ruby Jane regretted wandering away alone from Lisa. Her face stayed emotionless while she clenched her teeth, trying to make her mind for shaking her hand.

She drew a deep breath and hesitantly moved her hand but the spectator didn't find anything odd. When she was about to hold the hand, the lady nodded her head in a bow. Ruby Jane felt a strong presence behind her before a hand wrapped around her shoulder.

Ruby Jane's shoulder slightly slacked in relief and she shook the lady's hand without hesitation, "Ruby Jane." She let her name speak of her.

Clarie flashed a courteous smile and greeted Lisa, "President Manoban!!" She looked at both and continued, "We weren't expecting  the couple's presence here."