Ardrin's office was a stark contrast to Ethan's. Where Ethan's space exuded the calm orderliness of someone meticulously planning their every move, Ardrin's office was a chaotic mix of papers, charts, and half-empty coffee cups. It was clear that Ardrin thrived in this chaos, using it as a mask for his own calculated schemes.
Ardrin paced back and forth, his face flushed with anger. He had been certain that his plan to sabotage Ethan would work flawlessly. The information he had provided to Ella was misleading enough to ensure Ethan's failure, without arousing suspicion. Ardrin had orchestrated everything meticulously, convinced that this would be the end of Ethan's ambitions.
But now, as he heard the applause and the murmurs of approval coming from the main conference room, a sinking feeling settled in his stomach. Ethan had not only survived but thrived. He had turned the misleading data into a brilliant presentation that had won over the board.
Ardrin slammed his fist on his desk, scattering papers in every direction. "How could this happen?" he muttered to himself. "Ella was supposed to make sure he failed."
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Ella stepped in, her face pale and anxious. She could sense the storm brewing in Ardrin's eyes.
"Close the door," Ardrin said, his voice low and dangerous.
Ella complied, closing the door quietly behind her. She stood there, nervously wringing her hands, avoiding Ardrin's piercing gaze.
"What happened in there, Ella?" Ardrin demanded, his voice rising. "I gave you clear instructions. You were supposed to ensure Ethan's failure. Instead, he comes out looking like a hero. Did you betray me?"
Ella shook her head vehemently. "No, Ardrin, I did everything you asked. I gave him the wrong data, I made sure it was confusing and misleading. I don't know how he managed to turn it around."
Ardrin's eyes narrowed, his rage barely contained. "Do you expect me to believe that? You had one job, Ella. One simple job. And you failed."
Ella's eyes filled with tears. "I swear, I did everything I could. Ethan... he must be more skilled than we thought. He saw through the deception and turned it to his advantage."
Ardrin's rage simmered as he processed her words. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "Skilled or not, this is a setback we cannot afford. Ethan's success today will only make him more confident and more dangerous."
Ella nodded, still trembling. "What do you want me to do now?"
Ardrin's mind raced, formulating a new plan. "We can't afford any more mistakes. From now on, we need to be smarter, more careful. Keep an eye on Ethan, learn his weaknesses, and report back to me. We'll find another way to bring him down."
Ella nodded again, relieved that Ardrin's wrath was temporarily abated. She left the office quickly, eager to escape the tense atmosphere.
Alone again, Ardrin stared out of his office window, his mind churning with thoughts of revenge. Ethan might have won this round, but Ardrin was determined to win the war. No matter what it took, he would ensure that Ethan's rise to power would be short-lived.
Gregory's office was an epitome of elegance and order. Every item, from the richly polished mahogany desk to the perfectly aligned books on the shelves, spoke of meticulous care and precision. As Ethan stepped into the room, Gregory looked up from a set of documents, his eyes warm with approval.
"Ethan, come in," Gregory said, motioning to the chair opposite his desk. "I wanted to congratulate you personally on the presentation. You exceeded my expectations."
Ethan smiled, taking a seat. "Thank you, Father. I wanted to make sure I did justice to the Radiance product line."
Gregory nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Speaking of Radiance, I thought it would be a good time to go over the details of our new cosmetics line. It's an ambitious project, and I want you to be fully aware of what we're working on."
He opened a large folder on his desk, revealing a series of meticulously arranged documents and product samples. "Radiance is designed to be our flagship line, targeting both the high-end and mid-range markets. Each product has been crafted with the finest ingredients and cutting-edge technology."
Gregory picked up a sleek bottle of moisturizer, its design elegant and minimalistic. "This is our Luxurious Hydrating Serum. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and a proprietary blend of botanical extracts. It's designed to provide deep hydration and promote a youthful glow."
Ethan nodded, taking in the information. Gregory then showed him a compact case. "This is our Radiant Glow Foundation. It's lightweight, buildable, and infused with antioxidants. It's suitable for all skin types and provides a flawless, natural finish."
Next, he revealed a set of lipsticks in various shades. "Our Enchanting Lip Colors are made with nourishing oils and pigments that ensure long-lasting wear and vibrant color. They're designed to feel comfortable on the lips while providing a bold statement."
Gregory continued, showing Ethan the entire range, from eye shadow palettes and blushes to skincare items like exfoliators and night creams. Each product had been meticulously developed, with a clear focus on quality and innovation.
"Every item in the Radiance line has been created with our brand's core values in mind: elegance, efficacy, and luxury," Gregory explained. "We're confident that this line will set a new standard in the cosmetics industry."
Ethan listened intently, absorbing the details. Gregory paused, looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and pride. "Now, tell me, Ethan, how did you prepare for the meeting? I was impressed by your grasp of the material and your presentation skills."
Ethan smiled modestly. "I spent a lot of time reviewing the files and understanding the market strategies. I wanted to ensure I had a comprehensive understanding of the product line and how we could position it effectively. I also revisited some of the lessons you taught me over the years, especially regarding market analysis and consumer behavior."
Gregory's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "I'm glad to hear that, Ethan. Your preparation was evident, and it paid off. You handled the questions from the board with confidence and provided insightful answers. It's clear you've inherited not just the knowledge, but the passion for the business."
Ethan felt a surge of pride at his father's words. "Thank you, Father. I've learned from the best."
Gregory smiled warmly. "Your success today is just the beginning. There will be more challenges ahead, but I have no doubt you're capable of meeting them. Remember, the key to success is not just in the planning but in the ability to adapt and innovate."
Ethan nodded, feeling more motivated than ever. "I understand. I'm ready to take on whatever comes next."
Gregory stood, extending his hand. "I believe in you, Ethan. Together, we'll take Harrington Enterprises to new heights."