CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Mr. Clayton sat in the office going through some proposals from other entertainment companies when he heard a knock on the door. Suspecting that it could be Desi he told her to come in.
Desi walked into the office and Mr Clayton motioned for her to sit down. Desi smiled at him, a smile that you could call a French smile. She hadn't even thought of her relationship with him. A friend or foe?
If one day she lost her pretty face and her body shape. He wouldn't think twice about getting rid of her and getting a replacement for her immediately.
"Good morning Miss Le grande." He greeted when he was sure she was seated. Closing the paperwork in his hands he dropped it nonchalantly on his desk.
"To what do I owe this meeting, Mr. Clayton."
"The most popular designer in country T, He Tai, is hosting an exhibition for his newly designed clothes. Of course you have heard of him. You've actually worn most of his dresses. He sent out a contract requesting one of our popular models. Which would stand out in the midst of his country's models.". He paused.
"That's why I invited you over to inform you that you would be competing against Julie for this spot. This is a one chance at becoming an international supermodel. So we won't risk giving it to someone who we already acclaimed the best. A justification for the spot is needed." He stopped and monitored the expression on her face, waiting for a reply.
Desi scoffed in her mind. This man clearly was an idiot for thinking she was an idiot. One would think he was trying to uphold the protocol. But this man here was clearly favoring Julie. It wasn't the first time tho. Julie wasn't even at the stage of accepting international contracts yet.
"Very well Mr. Clayton, a fair competition would be the best"
They wanted to play her? Fine! Two could play the game!
Back at the Ceo's meeting room. Daphne sat nervously with her secretary. She was meeting the legendary Michael Kingston. She would try so hard to create a good impression of herself. After waiting for close to fifteen minutes, the door of the meeting room finally swung open and the Demon king walked in his full glory. With his assistant Humphrey walking behind him. They both had stern faces. Michael's face was particularly cold. Without giving her an opportunity to speak he said
"You have twenty five minutes to conclude your presentation."
Finally drawn back to reality Daphne motioned for her secretary to begin the presentation. The secretary quickly jumped in fright and connected her system to the projector and started the presentation.
Michael noticed a lot of loopholes in the presentation. This people really thought he was stupid. He allowed the secretary to ramble on. After exhausting her given twenty five minutes, she ended the presentation.
The room was silent. Only the ticking of the hands of the clock could be heard. Daphne's heart palpitated with fear. If she didn't click this deal. Grandfather would be very angry with her.
"Rejected."
Michael got up and left the room. He didn't even bother explaining why their proposed project was rejected.
Humphrey who knew it was unethical in the business world. Tried to explain, but it didn't mean he was scared for Michael. He made the rules in the business world. In fact, Michael Kingston was the rule!
"Vice-President Le grande, my boss discovered a lot of loopholes in the project. This was supposed to be rectified before bringing it in for presentation. It shows a high level of incompetence on your side. We will be sure to open our doors for further collaborations in the future. But this time, it's a No." He concluded with a swift bow and left.
Daphne felt like crying. She was going to receive a whipping from her grandfather. He had wanted her father to handle the project but she snatched it. She wanted to prove to her grandfather that she was capable. Now she could be demoted!
She felt tears welling up in her eyes. Which she quickly dabbed off with her handkerchief. She tried to compose herself and walked out of the room. The tiny secretary chased after her. She got to the entrance and saw Desi walking out too from the east wing.
She didn't want Desi to see her red face so she hastened her steps. But Desi was quick to catch up with her.
"Isn't it my arrogant big sister? Why hiding? Oops! Looks like your bubble got burst. Where is the confident fool I saw earlier today? Oh, she's gone. Daphne Le grande I don't have a problem with you doing your own thing. Just don't interfere with mine again. And I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Setting up students to frame me of cheating? It was indeed a cheap act from a cheap bitch!"
Without leaving any face for Daphne she walked away with elegance. Her waist swaying from right to left. Making sure that her grace overshadowed every haughtiness in Daphne. She drove off.
Watching from afar one could easily describe the scene of Desi and Daphne as that of the bluebird and the sparrow. The former being the bluebird, while the latter the sparrow.
At the top of the towering heights of the Building. Michael witnessed the whole scene. A thin line of smile formed on his lips. She asked why he wanted her to be a surrogate mother for his child? He wanted his child to have every grace, beauty, and intelligence in her. He couldn't trust any other woman to spend the rest of his life with. He only wanted a grand child for his parents.
Then he would search for the love of his life. His eyes darkened as he thought of that person.