Claire was particularly enthusiastic and extended her hand first. All this while, Verena stood behind and tried to act as the background, not willingly to stay yet can't leave as well.
Verena and Ovidius do not exchange a single glance during the introductions but Verena remained tense throughout the whole process. Ovidius was talking with some of the directors when someone noticed her.
Dakarai turned to ask Heimirich, "The young lady behind Claire is your eldest daughter?"
Heimirich forgot his eldest daughter was still present, "My eldest daughter, Verena."
Verena and Ovidius finally look at each other with different mix of emotions. Verena controlled her expression and tried to end the greeting with a simple nod though Ovidius had other plans.
Unlike before, where Claire extended her hand first, Ovidius takes a step forward and extends his hand towards Verena. Maybe on realizing the same thing Claire face turned a little ugly.
Verena glanced at Heimirich and Claire from the corner of her eye and shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Verena." Her lips twitches at his words, her stiff smile almost broke at his words. She desperately wanted to say she do rather have never meet him.
"Nice to meet you too." As he took his hand back his thumb lightly brushes against the back of her hand, Verena stiffened, the movement of pulling her hand back became faster. The undercurrent does not go unnoticed by many.
"You two know each other?" Claire gaze shifted between two of them back and forth.
Ovidius opened his mouth to respond but Verena beats him to it, "No, we are meeting for the first time."
Maybe her answer worked since no one cared to asked anymore questions. They went back to their discussion.
Verena waited for a chance to slip away but as soon as she took a step away, Ovidius asked her something and included her in the conversation.
The same thing happened many times before Verena realized he is doing it on purpose.
Suddenly her attention shifts, she is attracted by Heimirich's words, "Seeing Ovidius after so many makes me realize children have grown up. Claire will handle this project; I will personally train her. I think young ones should take the lead this time. "
"That's right, we have grown old." Dakarai jokes. Claire heard her father's thought and her happiness can't be described in words.
Verena fingers clenched the stem of wine glass tightly, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She used her last bit of self control to stop herself from saying anything that will make the situation worse for her.
She quickly turned around and walked away. Ovidius paused in between his conversation and glanced at Verena's back.
Her hair was cascading down her waist like waves and her sea blue gown trail fell behind her like stars shimmering reflected in the water under the night sky. Her figure was attracting attention wherever she went.
For a moment, Ovidius his eyes were glued at her back.
"Mr. Ovidius."
"Sorry, you were saying...."
**
Later at night after changing out of the dress, Verena knocked at Heimirich's study and entered without waiting.
Claire was already inside discussing some urgent documents. Verena ignored her and stopped in front Heimirich's table, "The Research Laboratory project is mine, I won it. Why is it being handed to Claire?"
This is the project she was most proud of and the greatest success she had achieved after joining Red Kite. Why is he giving it to Claire?
Heimrich looked up at her and answered in indifferent tone, "Claire is more suitable for handling this. Verena you should give your sister a chance."
"She got her chance and lost it." Her tone was harsh, this us not only her but also the result of her team's diligent work. The last-minute change will create problems and confusion in the team.
"I got the proposal accepted with my own efforts so I should handle the rest of the things."
If Claire was in her place, he would never say this to her, he would have never asked Claire to compromise. Why does she have to give in every time? Why should Claire get praised for the hard work she had done? After all, at the end only Claire name will remain and she who got the deal will be forgotten.
Verena felt an urge to shout though she knows it will only make Heimirich angrier. She doesn't say anything for a while.
"Everything was fine till today why change the project head all of a sudden? The main presentation is tomorrow." Verena continues.
Like Verena expected, Heimirich mood worsened after hearing Verena's tone. He had known his eldest daughter is stubborn but work is not the place to be stubborn, "You are not managing the business alone, you should let others do what they are best at. This project is not only yours; it is the most important project for Red Kite."
"She is in research, not management."
"Just let your team help her tomorrow, she can learn and handle the rest." Verena felt his words were outrageous. He not only wants to remove her from the project but also wanted to make Claire temporary head of the team she founded.
Every members of this team were carefully selected by her at the time of formation, they are her backbone and most trusted colleagues.
Verena clenched her fist, her manicured nails dig into her flesh, "Then it is only fair that I get to manage some of the projects she is working on."
Heimirich brows furrows and his voice turn grim, "Verena, stop acting like a child. This is only temporary." He said with a hint of warning.
Claire had her head lowered as if she is reading a document while hiding the smile. Watching Verena storming out of the study, Claire felt a sense of victory.
The embarrassment and loss she suffered after her proposal was rejected dissipated. Her patience and hard work were worth it.
She hated seeing Verena so happy at the banquet, her smile irritated her. Verena only got a contract but she as acting like she had gotten the CEO seat. Who doesn't deserve a second chance?
She closed so many deals and brought benefits to the company more than Verena, through her networks and connections so why only Verena be praised for getting a single deal? Is Verena's effort comparable to hers?
She had been trying to convince Heimirich to give her a chance to handle this project for some time. When she lost hope Heimirich made an unexpected decision.
Claire did not feel any guilt for snatching it instead felt what she did was right. Heimirich gave her this opportunity because she deserved it.
"Dad, I will do my best."
Heimirich nods, "Don't disappoint me."
**
The next day Verena tried to persuade again in the morning. Heimirich decision remained unchanged.
The team Verena specially formed was temporarily handed over to Claire. And despite the change Verena had to attend the first meeting.