RIGHT 2

Chapter 25

" What about handmade packing?" My gaze wandered, person to person sitting in the room, and then finally affixed on the Aiden, who was sitting next to me.

The meeting room was thick with tension.

In this new project, we required unique packaging for our products, which could distinguish our brand. Everyone was delivering idea after idea but in vain. Nothing was working out. But then suddenly an idea struck my head, and presently, I was letting out the suggestion of the same idea.

Aiden looked at me, silently saying to me to continue.

" We can use handmade packing, and that work could be allotted to unprivileged people which Roosevelt charity supports, this way we could provide them Employment and our work will be complete."

The silence becomes heavier in the room.

My pulse quickened.

They didn't like your idea, Emerald.

Suddenly, the screeching sound of chair pushing back entered my ears, followed by the strong arms that pulled me up. A quick and heated kiss was placed on my lips, the only evidence it ever happened was the burning sensations on my lips.

What had happened just now?

" You are the best, Emerald, it's an incredible idea!" Aiden said, his eyes sparkling with admiration and pride.

I realized, I was still in his arms and we were still too close, that it can be said was inappropriate for a public place. So, I stepped back from his embrace.

My eyes remained widened, due to being caught by surprise, and individuals existing in the room were reflecting the same expression of shock.

The kiss.

Aiden kissed me in front of everyone!

Silence.

A grave stillness possessed the room, I looked at Aiden, his smile from earlier had shrunk and the stringent countenance rose on his exterior. Perhaps, he too realized what he have done. But there was no regret in his eyes for his startling action but rather respect and tenderness for me.

Very few people were aware of our relationship, and now I don't know how to react. I don't know what everyone would be thinking about us.

The sound of a clearing throat brought my attention back. It was Aiden. He collected a file from the table and opened a page. Everyone's jaws which were hanging a few moments earlier are now set back to their place.

" Miss Gracia has given a outstanding idea, and I would like to proceed ahead with that," he declared and then looked at Eric, who smile, encouraging him to continue, "So I want the designing team to move forward with the composition."

With that we seated back in our place, I was still startled.

A man, who appeared aged and experienced, sitting at the far end, raised his hand.

" Yes?" Aiden cocked his one eyebrow.

" But making handmade things will reduce our profit margin as we had to pay for labor, as compared to machines it will be expensive," he said.

There was a cruel smirk present on his face when he finished keeping his opinion forth. He looked at me with dismay in his eyes, Eric appeared in the deep calculation so were others, including Aiden.

I think he intentionally protested my idea.

You know there is always a person in the group, without valid reason just revolts because they think that taking ideas from less experienced people will degrade their own value. And that person here was this man.

" Some things are not done for profits but for the welfare of society," I said, looking straight at the man.

His face hardened.

" Business is all about profits," he countered.

"That's where you are wrong Thomas, Roosevelt Ambiance always has and will be in favor of the welfare of society," Eric abruptly shoots, " –and Miss Gracia is right, some things aren't done for profits, and keeping that in mind, I would like to approve the idea." He then looked at Aiden, " Son, you may lead the team now."

Thomas, the man who objected, mouth closed in a firm line.

After that formulation and the strategies were discussed. I could constantly feel the piercing glare from the far end of the table, but I didn't dare to glance there. Soon we were dismissed to our cabin, and as Aiden went too into the Eric cabin for further discussion, so we failed to receive the opportunity to talk.

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-

I was so engrossed in evaluating the paper, that I didn't notice a presence looming above me until a feminine hand pulled the paper from my hands. I peered up and met with familiar lush eyes.

Sophia.

Aiden's mother.

She settled herself on the chair, in front of me. She seemed elegant and beautiful, I think she carries beauty and grace with her all the time.

"Mrs. Stallard- I mean ...." I trailed off.

"Sophia Smith, It's Sophia smith." Her exterior was vacant and cold. I clasped my hand before me on the table.

" Yes, of course, Ms. Smith, may I know how can I help you?"

Her eyes examined me with utmost vigilance like she was attempting to find something.

" You are dating my son, aren't you?"

I nodded, silently.

What is she trying to play?

Her lips curled into a stringent smile; her eyes twitched in contempt. Her exterior was civil but her eyes speak the dislike. She didn't like me.

" Well...." She cocked her eyebrow for me to continue.

" Emerald," I said.

" Ahh Emerald, I heard about you a lot and I was looking forward to meeting you," she nailed me on the place with her diamond-like hard eyes. "I will come straight to the point. I want to talk with you but this isn't the proper place and nor the proper time."

She grabbed the paper from the desk and scribble some words on it.

" Take," she handed me the paper and I glanced at the paper and there was some address written on it. " This is my address; I hope to see you there."

" I don't think it's a good idea, Aiden will not like this."

My incredulous eyes flicker between her and the paper she placed in my hand.

" I know. But what if I say this is about Aiden solely."

She rigidly smiled and rose from the chair and without waiting for my answer she continued, "see you soon."

I just stared at her, as she left, leaving me with thousands of thoughts.

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