Chapter 5 - Chapter Five

As she set up her presentation, Jane whispered nervously from beside her.

Jane glancing at the executives, feeling nervous "I heard their last partnership deal fell through. They're tough to please. Now with Marcus interference, I hope you come out of it successful."

"Jane trust me on this. I've got this. As for him, Marcus. He can't control me. I believe in LaFleur International." Lisa taking a deep breath, her voice steady.

The door opened, and a stream of executives walked in, including the formidable CEO of LaFleur, Henry Caldwell. Lisa greeted him, stretching out her hand for a firm handshake and a confident smile. Just as she was about to start her presentation, the door open once more, almost doubting her confidence.

Marcus Blackwood.

He walked in, calm and composed, less concern and unapologetic. Lisa's grip on the presentation remote stiffing as Marcus greeted the board members before casually taking a seat at the end of the long conference table.

"Hope I'm not too late. Wouldn't want to miss the show." Marcus smirks at Lisa 

Lisa's eyes narrowed, her professional composure slipping for just a second.

"This is a private meeting, Mr. Marcus." Lisa lashed out.

Henry Caldwell coldly says, raising an eyebrow "I wasn't aware Mr. Blackwood was interested in this meeting."

"I wouldn't say interested, but I'm always curious when it comes to business and investments. Thought I'd drop by and see what's on the table." Marcus uttered leaning back feeling at ease.

Lisa knew exactly what he was doing. This wasn't curiosity; it was sabotage. He was trying to rattle her in front of the board, hoping to throw her off her game.

 

Though her temperature has raising to the highest, her anger boiling inside clenching her fists. But she knows not to let her emotions take the best of herself. Without hesitation she stepped out.

she launched into her presentation. The room darkened as slides of her designs lit up the screen behind her. She walked through her vision, each piece a blend of modern elegance and timeless sophistication. As she spoke, the board's interest grew impressed by her creativity and the depth of her understanding of the fashion industry.

But halfway through, Marcus interrupted.

"You've got a great eye, Lisa. No one's questioning that. But you're aiming for high end luxury. Do you really think someone with your background can manage the pressures of this industry?" Marcus cutting in smoothly intending to throw her off balance.

The board members exchanged curious glances, thinking whether this was part of the meeting or some personal grudge. Lisa's pulse quickened, but she refused to be intimidated.

"I didn't get to where I am by having everything handed to me. In fact, it's my background that gives me the edge. I understand hard work, I value loyalty, and I don't take shortcuts. That's why I'm here, and that's why LaFleur would benefit from working with me." Lisa with her icy mocking gaze swayed at Marcus, Mumbled.

The tension in the room grows thick, Marcus's gaze never leaving hers. He expected her to falter, to show weakness. Instead, she stood taller, commanding the room with her confidence.

"Interesting take. But you know as well as I do that this industry is cutthroat. Emotion won't save you in business." Marcus grinning. His eyes darkened.

"I'm not in the business of emotion, Mr. Marcus. I'm in the business of creating art and that art is what sells. If you don't understand that, may be this kind of meetings are not for you." Lisa lashed out matching his intensity.

A few of the executives stifled, amused smiles, and Henry Caldwell looked intrigued rather than put off by the tension.

"She's right, Blackwood. We're not looking for emotion. We're looking for vision, and Lisa's shown she has plenty of it." Henry nodding approvingly.

Marcus's smirk faltered, if only for a second, but Lisa caught it. She'd turned the situation in her favor, and she wasn't about to let him recover.

Lisa turning back to the board, her voice steady and professional again "I believe in the value of this partnership. LaFleur's history and my designs are a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Together, we can bring something unique to the market. Something that no one else is offering."

As Lisa wrapped up her pitch, the executives exchanged nods, clearly impressed. Henry Caldwell stood up, extending his hand toward her.

Henry "Welcome aboard, Miss Anderson. We will finalize the details over the next few days."

Relief and triumph surged through Lisa as she shook his hand, smiling with quiet confidence. She'd done it.

As the meeting ended and the board members filed out, Marcus lingered behind, leaning against the conference table.

Marcus (watching her with a mix of admiration and frustration):

"Well played. But don't think I'm done with you."

Lisa picking up her things, uttered with a calm voice  "You never had a chance. You just haven't realized it yet."

Without waiting for a response, Lisa walked out of the room, leaving Marcus standing there, staring at her with a deadpan expression. Not sure what to do next.