The next morning at 10 a.m. sharp, Brian arrived at Sophia's group of industries for their scheduled meeting. Sophia greeted him with a blend of professionalism and cordiality. The meeting, attended by both Sophia Harrington and Mr. Edward Harrington, was poised to be both challenging and promising.
Brian extended hand greeted, "Hello, sir."
Mr. Harrington replied coldly, "Lemme tell you this beforehand, I don't have high hopes for your AI innovation project, Mr. Luther. It's my daughter who believes your vision has potential and think we should give it a try. Despite knowing this, Andrew isn't backing this project either."
As Brian heard his dad's name, he was slightly taken a step back but determined and responded, "Thank you for having me here, sir. I'm confident that you'll see the value in my project by the end of this meeting. And you'll need no one to back this project, even my dad-Mr. Luther."
Sophia, observing the exchange tone and feeling a pang of frustration, thought to herself, "God, what is he doing? He is making dad go crazy. Starred at him thinking, you are here to impress him, remember deal, funding."
Brian ignored her and about to add...
Interrupting the tense moment, Sophia said with a forced smile, "Well, you're quite confident Mr. Luther. Aren't you? So, shall we begin?"
She was sharp and discerning, but Brian was also prepared. He presented his project with confidence and ambitiously, focusing on its unique value and potential for growth. Both Sophia and Edward listened intently whereas Mr. Harrington asked probing questions every now and then and evaluated every aspect of the proposal.
Brian confidently said, "This is from my side. Thank you so much. What do you think?"
Sophia applauded and gave him a wide smile.
Edward Harrington observed her with a hint of curiosity.
After Brian concluded his presentation, he was asked to wait outside.
Brian felt confident about the deal, buoyed by Sophia's reaction and the impression he believed he had made on Edward Harrington. After a thorough discussion, Brian was called back in. Mr. Harrington greeted him with a smile.
"I'm impressed, young man. Pleasure to have you on board," Mr. Edward said.
Brian's face lit up with happiness. The news was a significant breakthrough for Brian. The deal would not only secure the funding he needed but also provide him with a valuable partner in Sophia.
Sophia added, "Your project aligns with our goals, and I believe there's a lot of potential here. Let's explore the possibility of a merger."
Brian shook hands with Mr. Harrington and later Sophia.
"I'll take a leave, Sophia." Edward instructed, "Discuss everything and draft a contract."
Sophia smiled, "Yes, Dad. I'll handle it from here."
As Edward left, Sophia wants to accompany him to the door. However, Brian reached out and gently took her hand, stopping her.
"Hey, thanks for speaking up on my behalf. This means a lot for me, thanks!" Brian said earnestly.
Sophia, momentarily distracted, felt a jolt of emotion as she looked at her hand in his hand. An unfamiliar sensation pulled her towards Brian, making her feel an uncertain connection.
Sophia's gaze lingered in their hands, and she was caught off guard by the intensity of her own feelings.
Brian asked, "It's past noon. How about we grab lunch together?"
YOU ARE READING
FALLING INTO ILLUSIONS
Mystery / Thriller"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." People whom we love don't need to love us. Where the world is full of people with hatred some people stand with you genuinely...
