Overqualified

Before the sun sets, Barnes' judges already have a list of winners and Amy's group holds their breath as the program's host announces the winners.

The ladies' shoulders dropped when their name wasn't called. They were highly confident that they're gonna make it, with the fact that one of the judges even gave them a hint earlier.

They were utterly surprised with how it turned out that almost all of them were in denial of the result they just heard.

"What just happened? This is a mistake! I am even sure that we are at the top of their list. There's a foul play here!" Mary bursts out as she tries so hard to control her anger.

Sandra noticed Amy's teary eyes while looking at the ground as Mary continued to pant out her frustrations. Amy was in utter disbelief that despite all the good feedback from the people who tasted their products, including the judges, they still didn't win Barnes' favor.

They needed this investment. The interest on her loan increases with each passing month and the farm is her father's baby, she cannot lose it.

Sandra hugged Amy and said to her, "It's ok cuz, we'll find another way. Let's rest tonight and tomorrow let's call the other investors who gave out their cards earlier."

Amy swallowed her disappointment and held back her tears as she nodded to Sandra. She composed herself and gave out her best smile to not lower the morale of the group.

"Right, this is just a bump on the road. There are many other investors out there who showed interest in our business."

The group picked up their things and started walking to the exit doors when a man in a business suit stopped them.

"Excuse me, Bellory Group right?" The man tried to confirm with Mary who gave him a frowning look when she recognized him as one of the judges from Barnes Group Inc., who told them that they had a high chance of getting in earlier.

"What do you want?" Mary scowled at the man which made him scratch the back of his head, understanding Mary's aggressive reaction.

"Let me explain what happened" He responded defensively.

"No need to explain, we are professionals here and we accept the decision. It's your loss, not ours, we don't want to hear any false hopes from you anymore. There are many other companies out there that want to work with us," Mary pointed out promptly.

The man waves his hand back and forth to deny Mary's accusation. "It's not like that. You see, you are overqualified for us since we are only a subsidiary company. So the holding company will be the one to give you an offer."

Mary gaped at the man. She turned red recalling all the boastful remarks she just said. Hearing his explanation, Amy quickly moves in front of Mary to face him.

"Hi," she then extended her hand, "I'm Amelia Bell the owner of Bellory Cafe and Farm. These are my colleagues," she added as she introduced her girls properly.

Before the man could speak again. Another man came forward and extended his hand as well to Amy which she accepted gladly.

"I'm Anton Park, the COO of the holding company he is talking about, that will invest in your business. I'm so pleased to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you, Ms. Bell."

Amy smiled awkwardly at Anton's statement and replied, "I didn't know I'm popular Mr. Park."

Anton smirked at her statement, "Oh, you'll see soon enough. We would like to discuss our offer as soon as possible before other companies snatch you," he then winked at Mary who blushed and looked down as she tucked her locks behind her ear, obviously embarrassed with the way she acted earlier.

"That would be great Mr. Park, we are ready when you are," Amy replied enthusiastically, she couldn't afford to lose this opportunity. This is her only chance to get additional funds that would give them a chance to pay off the debt quickly.

"Shall we?" Anton gestured the way to the meeting room and Amy nodded. They followed him to a private room where Anton's assistant and secretary were already preparing everything that they needed.

Anton and the group get down to business as soon as they enter the room. Sandra and Mary could not help but grin while reading the business offer that Anton is presenting to them. However, not everyone in the room is quite happy about it.

Prior to meeting Anton, Amy already suspected something when Barnes' representative told them that their holding company would handle their investment. She doesn't know how she feels knowing this. She is thankful but apprehensive at the same time.

She needed this deal badly. If she does not take this offer, she might not only lose the farm but the employees under her might lose their job too and she doesn't want that to happen. The farm employs at least 50 people at its peak season and also it is the major source of ingredients for the cafe.

His father and mother worked hard to acquire that land when she was young. They started from scratch and it breaks her heart just thinking of letting it go just to free herself from the problem she is facing right now.

She already solved the problem that she had for her brother's children, but now with the impending foreclosure of the farm, she just doesn't want to dig into more problems by not taking the opportunity in front of her.

She already sold herself she thought, so how worse can her situation get? Her parents care about their people and the property that they worked hard for. She already sold almost all of them because of Jayson and she doesn't want to lose more. The farm and the coffee shop are the only ones left that remind her of her family, and she will do the best she can to keep it with her.

Anton did not remove his gaze from Amy as she read the investment offer. He watches her like a hawk as she changes her facial expression on every page that she finishes.

"Ms. Bell, if you have questions please do not hesitate to ask," he worriedly says in fear that Amy will decline their offer.

'That brat will skin me alive if I can't make Amy sign the investment contract, please please sign it already Amy' Anton prayed silently.

"I have no questions as of the moment," Amy then signed the documents, "I know how it works. I think I know how your boss thinks," she added.

Anton smiled like a donkey watching Amy sign each page of the contract. He was too proud of himself that he sent a text message right away to his boss, [I deserve a raise and a bonus. You should celebrate.]

The door opened while Anton's secretary collected the signed documents from Amy and the group.

Anton greeted the man who just entered and introduced him to the group. "Everyone, this is Mr. Henry Welsh, CEO of Welsh Holdings, Inc."

Everyone's mouth dropped upon hearing Henry's name except for Amy. She already knew that the investment was from Henry as soon as she read the offer.

The ladies then look at Amy after seeing Henry's eyes are solely focused on her.

"Thank you Mr. Welsh for helping our business, you have no idea how big of…" Amy did not finish what she wanted to say for Henry cut her off almost instantly.

"Mr. Welsh? That's not how you should address your fiancé."

Amy's eyes widened and before she could react, Henry was already only 1 step away from her.

Henry held the back of her neck and gently pulled her closer. He gave her a soft and gentle kiss on the forehead. But it doesn't stop there. His other hand snaked around her waist to hold her closer and kissed her passionately.

Anton can only shake his head at the sight of the two. But Sandra, Mary, and Maya were so shocked at the boldness they just witnessed that they unconsciously put their hand on their open mouth due to utter surprise.

Not only that the person in front of them is the 'contract' boyfriend of their boss and friend Amy, but he is also the CEO of the investment company that they just signed into, who is now kissing their friend in front of everyone without a care in the world.

Amy was shocked and frozen for a short while by Henry's unexpected deed. She gathered all her strength as soon as she came back to her senses pushed Henry away and glared at him.

"Seriously?" was the only word she could think of.

"Miss me, love?" Henry said with a smug on his face, obviously enjoying Amy's annoyed and surprised look.

"Ehrm ehrm…" Anton loudly cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Oh yeah, right…" Henry finally moved his focus to the other people in the room.