Julia’s POV
At this Entrepreneurs Summit, startup teams will showcase their innovative achievements, aiming to attract interested investors to buy out their projects. The investor who offers the highest bid will be able to reach a cooperation agreement with the entrepreneurs. The entire process operates like an auction, each proposal is scrutinized, debated, and ultimately sold to the highest bidder. For my company, this event represents not only a chance to secure critical funding but also an opportunity to establish long-term partnerships that could shape the future of our enterprise.
My gaze were still focused on the document in my hands, the neatly printed schedule of the summit was boldly written as I read through. The stakes were higher than ever, and I needed a solid plan.
“Miss,” Emily’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Scarlett has already refused the invitation to this summit… as per Alex’s orders. He instructed me to keep the document aside because he won’t be attending to it.” She said.
I lifted my face to hear the news.
Of course, I’d expected as much. In my previous life, Alex had ensured my enterprise was kept away from every opportunity that might help it thrive. He made sure of that and would as well try to bring down any progressing project under me in this company. This time, I wouldn’t allow him to dictate my future.
“Emily, report the current financial situation,” I requested, folding the document and placing it aside.
Emily hesitated, her fingers nervously clutching her tablet. “Ma’am, the funds are in severe shortage,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “And… after the news of your broken engagement, several investors have withdrawn their support. They wouldn’t want to continue with a failed company in other to protect their company from falling.
Her words were like cold water splashing against my skin, startling, but not unexpected.
I leaned back in my chair, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. “The top priority now is to secure financial support,” I stated firmly.
“But… Miss, considering Alex’s influence, who would dare support us?” Emily’s brows furrowed with worry.
I looked up to her, staring with a blank thought and after what felt like a minute, I broke the silence.
“There’s one exception,” I replied with a faint smile, my eyes meeting hers. “Lynwood Company International Limited.”
Emily’s senses flew in shock. “Lynwood? But they’re Alex’s direct competitor!”
“Precisely,” I said calmly.
“Ma’am, I think you are making a great mistake.” She stated.
I tinted my brows as I looked up to her, waiting for her reasons.
“CEO of Lynwood company is known for being ruthless and cold-blooded in the business world ma’am. This is not a right decision to make.
My face was unreadable.
“We could give it a trial.” I stood, smoothing the folds of my blazer. “Make the necessary preparations. I’ll handle the rest.”
Emily still looked unconvinced, but she nodded nonetheless.
The next day, I arrived at Lynwood Company’s headquarters. Towering steel and glass reflected the morning sun. I knew Mr. Lynwood was extremely mysterious and it was incredibly difficult to get an audience with him. Therefore, I had prepared myself to plead my case with the desperation of someone backed into a corner. I was willing to let him know how bad I needed his help and how bad his help could help my company.
“Do you have an appointment ma’am?” She questioned.
“No,” I admitted.
Her polite smile didn’t falter, but I noticed the slight shift in her posture, as if preparing to turn me away. “May I have your name?”
I told her, expecting hesitation, but instead, she immediately picked up the phone and called her boss. After a brief conversation, she nodded and stood. “Follow me, please.”
I walked beside her, my mind racing. The calm, professional way she escorted me to the office made it seem like I was expected, though I knew that wasn’t the case. She was only doing her job.
Within moments, I was escorted to the CEO’s office without any more questions.
In my previous life, I never met the CEO of Lynwood in person. I only heard about him. Since he was Alex’s competitor in my previous life, I only focused on helping Alex against this man but now, entering the office, he looked so familiar.
Tall and impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, as his gaze bore into me as I stepped in.
I finally saw the man everyone feared in business. Ruthless, calculating, and impossible to outmaneuver. He was undeniably striking at sight.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit hugging his broad shoulders. A white dress shirt peeked from beneath, buttoned neatly at the collar. His dark tie, knotted flawlessly, added to his air of control. Cufflinks gleamed at his wrists, and his polished black shoes rested firmly on the floor. He looked powerful, dominant. I stood, accessing him but was quick to snap back into why I was here.
Stepping forward, “Good morning Mr. Lynwood. Julia Watson by name.” I said as I offered a handshake but he didn’t pay attention.
I saw the cold smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Coming without an appointment?” he said, leaning back in his chair. His gaze was unreadable, but the faint curve of his lips hinted at something more welcoming.
“I’m sorry for the disturbance.” I responded and took a seat.
“I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I won’t waste your time. I’m here to propose a mutually beneficial collaboration. Specifically, an opportunity to help you defeat Alex Carter, your competitor.”
For a moment, there was silence. Then, he chuckled, a low, sound that sent an inexplicable shiver down my spine.
“Interesting,” he murmured. “Everyone in the city knows how much you love Alex Carter much that you sacrificed your own dignity. And now you’re standing here, asking me to help you bring him down?”
Shame burned hot beneath my skin, and I tried to steady myself. “The broken engagement is a settled matter,” I replied, keeping my voice level despite the tightness in my chest. “I no longer have any ties to Alex. My only concern now is the future of my company.”
He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the polished surface of his desk. His eyes never left mine, as if studying me. “Is that so?” he mused, the hint of a smile still lingering at the corners of his mouth. “But tell me… have you truly forgotten about me?”
My brow furrowed in confusion.
Without answering, he reached into his wallet and pulled out a sleek, ivory business card. With a deliberate motion, he slid it across the desk toward me.
“Here,” he said softly. “You can contact me anytime.” He added.
I picked up the card. But the moment my eyes landed on the name printed on the card, my breath hitched as I realised who this man was. I was holding my own card. Lucas?
Memories from that night at the club crashed over me, the mysterious stranger with the captivating gaze whom Isabella had randomly picked for me that night.
“You…” I stared at him in stunned realization.
The smile playing on Lucas’s lips welcomed me to smile along.
“Oh my God.” I declared in astonishment.
