Saddest Goodbye

chapter 30: shared rhythm

In the conference room...

The tension in the conference room was palpable as Miel, Siegfried, Gio, Cass, and the others sat around the circular table. The air was thick with a mix of anticipation and discomfort, and everyone's eyes were fixated on the unfolding drama.

As the meeting commenced, Cass's eyes locked onto Miel, and the shock on her face was evident. Gio, too, was visibly taken aback, his usual composed demeanor disrupted by the unexpected presence of Miel.

Unable to contain her bewilderment, Cass couldn't resist confronting Miel.

Cass, with an accusing tone, demanded, "What are you doing here? What business do you have in this meeting?"

Siegfried, not one to tolerate unnecessary drama, interjected sternly, "Miss Chua Hiong or should I say Mrs Montefalcon,  I suggest you mind your tone. Architect Esparagoza  is here as my business partner and has every right to be present."

Cass, undeterred, continued to challenge Miel, "Business partner? What does she have to do with our affairs?"

Siegfried, his patience wearing thin, issued a warning, "Mrs Montefalcon, one more word, and the deal we're discussing is canceled. Your behavior is not only unprofessional but jeopardizing the interests of everyone in this room."

The weight of Siegfried's words settled over the table, casting a shadow of discomfort. The other parties, sensing the gravity of the situation, exchanged uneasy glances.

In a surprising turn of events, Siegfried made an unexpected announcement.

Siegfried declared, "Let me make this clear to everyone. Architect Esparagoza is not just a business partner; she is my fiancée. In every decision I make, both personal and professional, Miel has a say. Can say thumbs up or turn down the table... If anyone here cannot respect her presence, then this meeting is over."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Siegfried's declaration echoed, and the weight of his words hung in the air.

The representatives from the other parties, now frustrated with Cass's disruptive behavior, expressed their discontent. They turned to Gio, urging him to control his wife and maintain professionalism.

Gio, although accustomed to Cass's outbursts, found himself in an unprecedented situation. Siegfried's announcement seemed to have a profound impact, and he appeared to be on the verge of collapse.

As tensions escalated in the conference room, the dynamics of relationships and business alliances hung in the balance, leaving everyone to grapple with the unexpected twists that unfolded before them.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, Siegfried's decisive actions had left an indelible mark on the room. The representatives from the other parties, clearly displeased with Cass's behavior, looked to Gio for a resolution. He, however, seemed immobilized, caught between the clash of his past and present.

Siegfried, undeterred by the disapproval in the room, addressed everyone with a resolute tone, "I value professionalism and respect in my business dealings. Amidst the tense atmosphere, Siegfried's decisive actions had left an indelible mark on the room. The representatives from the other parties, clearly displeased with Cass's behavior, looked to Gio for a resolution. He, however, seemed immobilized, caught between the clash of his past and present.

Siegfried, undeterred by the disapproval in the room, addressed everyone with a resolute tone, "I value professionalism and respect in my business dealings. Architect Esparagoza's role is crucial, and her presence here is non-negotiable. If we cannot proceed with that understanding, then this collaboration might not be the right fit."