Imminent embarrassment

"President Luiss, President Gerald, everyone's is waiting in the conference room." The manager of the building informed the two tycoons who had first been taken to the lavish refreshment area.

A big deal between two equally big corporations was to be signed today. The manager was already tight on his nerves to be handled such an important thing. He had been approached by many big names, presidents, organization's, Chief executives and not to mention the press.

Luiss sat cross-legged over the brown sofas. A refreshment was in his hands. The man ozzed of power, status, and unapproachability. His handsome looks only accentuated his appeal.

He didn't even spare the manager a glance. His eyes were pinned at the rival, Gerald. With a smile, he said while putting down the drink. "Shall we?"

"Yes, we shall," replied the man with blond hair, Gerald. Mirroring Luiss gestures, he placed down his drink and took the initiative to stand up. While Luiss was someone who was serious-faced and domineering, Gerald had a deceptive charm to himself that was attractive on its own.

A fine contrast.

While they made their way to the conference room, and a group of people followed them in the back, Gerald commented.

"I have heard President Luiss have recruited a new girl as your personal secretary. I was quite surprised when I heard this. especially since you do not like to bring those of farier gender to workplace." While he pretended to casually mention this, the corner of his eyes keenly observed Luiss face for any reveal of  information.

"Yes, she is a hard worker but not very smart. She will have to prove herself. I have given her the chance today,"

Gerald failed to notice any emotional other than professional interest on Luiss face. His interest was somewhat diminished, but nevertheless, he commented with a shrewd smile. "If that's the case, forgive my Rosaline for being mischievous. She seems to get competitive when she finds someone of the same status as her. I need to control my girls better."

Luiss got what Gerald was referring to. He frowned somewhat, a bit bothered. He found these underhand methods of fighting disgraceful.

That's why he disliked keeping women in his staff.

'It's on her. If she can fight this off and prove herself.' Luiss thought this and stopped caring. However, he had little hope Ariana would be able to withstand the manipulations of these shrewd veterans.

She was most likely gonna make a blunder.

Luiss felt a tinge of regret for appointing her for this crucial task. But it was too late now.

In the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter much. It would just embarrass their corporation and team in front of Gerald.

He just hoped she wouldn't make too big of a blunder.

...

In the conference room, everyone stood at once once the two of them entered and offered their greetings.

"Everyone, no need to be so tight on your nerves. We are all family," Gerald offered with a charismatic smile while Luiss was silent and made his way to the main seating with the best view of the screen. He was a man who kept his focus at the task at hand and avoided unnecessary formalities.

Gerald eyes scanned the conference room and found Rosaline sitting with another woman whom he correctly guessed to be Luiss new secretary, Ariana. He noticed her impassive face and had a gut feeling Luiss judgement was wrong.

But it was too soon to judge.

Rosaline captured his eyes and passed a meaningful smile. Being with her for so many years, he guessed instantly what this smile meant. Rosaline was victorious in whatever she was scheming.

His own smile became somewhat mocking.

And he passed Luiss, who was already sitting and waiting for the meeting to adjoirn, a look of triumph as he took his side seat.

Looks like Luiss' team was going to be embarrassed very badly today.

He was looking forward to it.