Chapter 12
Julia’s POV
At the company’s high–level meeting, tension of their failed company was high. Everyone was in a panic. The conference room had devolved into chaos as everyone was airing their thoughts.
Shareholders sat around the long glass table, their voices rising in agitation as heated debates filled the room. Some pounded their fists against the table, while others whispered among themselves, shaking their heads in doubt.
At the head of the table, my stepmother, Scarlett, stood with a sneer, her arms pointing at me as she leveled an accusing gaze at me.
“This is all because of Julia!” she exclaimed, her voice sharp with faux indignation. “She’s the one who ruined our company relationship with Alex! If she hadn’t been so reckless in breaking off the engagement, Julison Technology wouldn’t have divested from Alex’s company. And now look at the mess we’re in!”
Several shareholders nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves.
“She single–handedly caused our largest investor to walk away.”
“How do we fill such a massive financial gap?”
“This company is doomed at this rate.”
Scarlett, sensing their agreement, she pressed on. “Julia, do you have any idea what you’ve done? Do you think you can just play around with personal relationships and that of a company without consequences? This is a business, not a fairy tale!”
I remained calm, leaning back slightly in my chair as I watched the show she was putting on. And the shareholders were looking at me like I was a reckless child who had set fire to their empire.
Shortly, I let out a slow breath before speaking.
“There’s no need to panic,” I said evenly, my tone steady. “I can solve this crisis.”
“You?” One of the shareholders scoffed, shaking his head. “Julia, this is a multi–million–dollar loss we’re talking about. Unless you have a hidden investor somewhere, I don’t see how you can fix this.”
“Stop trying to bluff your way through this, Julia,” Scarlett sneered. “You’ve already embarrassed yourself enough. If you really care about this company, step aside and let someone competent handle it.”
I met her gaze without flinching. “You seem awfully eager to push me out, Scarlett. Almost as if you’re hoping I fail.”
Her expression stiffened for a brief second before she scoffed, turning her nose up.
“It’s not about what I want,” she said. “It’s about what’s best for the company.
I ignored her and turned to the shareholders. “I understand your concerns, but I assure you, I will handle this.”
They didn’t believe me. I could see it in their skeptical gazes, in the way some of them shook their heads and exchanged doubtful looks in disappointment.
But that didn’t matter. Because I had no intention of letting them down.
After the meeting, I stepped out into the corridor, and Emily, my assistant, quickly followed behind me. She clutched her tablet against her chest, her expression filled with concern as she struggled to keep up with my pace.
“Ma’am,” she said urgently, lowering her voice so the passing employees wouldn’t overhear, “why did you say that in front of the shareholders? You told them you could solve this crisis, but how? The attempt to get funds from Lucas failed, and now we have an even bigger hole to fill.”
I glanced at her briefly before continuing to walk toward my office.
“Who said it failed?” I asked lightly.
Emily stopped in her tracks, blinking in surprise. “Huh?”
I didn’t clarify, simply pushing open my office door and stepping inside. Before Emily could ask further, my phone vibrated on my desk.
I picked it up, glancing at the caller ID. It was Lucas and then I answered.
“Lucas.” I called out.
Chapter 12
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His smooth voice came through the other end. “I saw the news.”
I leaned against my desk, crossing my arms as I waited for his complete statement.
“And,” Lucas continued, “if you can give me what I want, I might consider giving you the money in advance. After all, I wouldn’t want your company to go bankrupt before our bet is fulfilled.”
I smirked slightly. “There’s no need.”
Lucas was silent for a moment. “No need?”
“Rest assured,” I said smoothly, “your funds will reach me as agreed in the bet. I don’t need an advance.”
“You just lost a major investor,” Lucas pointed out, his voice laced with skepticism. “Are you really in a position to be so confident?”
I chuckled softly.
Lucas let out a low hum, as if intrigued. “You’re really not afraid, huh?”
“I don’t have the luxury of fear,” I said simply.
Silence stretched between us for a few moments before Lucas finally spoke again, his voice filled with amusement.
“Alright, Julia. I’ll be watching.” And with that, he hung up. I set my phone down and turned to find Emily staring at me,
“Okay,” she said slowly. “What just happened?”
I smiled. “You’ll see soon enough.”
P
