Chapter Twenty-Six

Towards evening, Stella's office was wrapped in the soft amber glow of the setting sun. She sat at her desk, stylus in hand, making precise notes on her tablet. A sharp knock broke her concentration. Before she could respond, the door swung open, and Peter strode in, looking sharp and composed in his suit, but his eyes showed the stress of a busy day.

Magnus followed with graceful steps, his tablet tucked under his arm as he quietly arranged the files for the upcoming meeting. He positioned himself near the door,a quiet but attentive presence.

'Ella,' Peter's voice cut through the stillness, firm, with a trace of urgency. 'I need you for the next meeting. We're still discussing the market expansion, and I want your input on the presentations.'

Stella put the stylus down and met his gaze. 'I thought Sarah was handling that presentation. My job is to be your personal secretary, not to get fully involved in the presentations.'

Peter's expression grew more serious. 'Sarah couldn't make it today. You've seen the details. Plus, you always bring a perspective others miss. We need you this evening. You're more than just a personal secretary, Ella.'

Magnus stepped forward and extended a report. 'Here's a summary of what was discussed earlier,' he added. 'Sir Peter wants to make sure we're all on the same page.'

Stella gave a quick nod, tapped the screen to save her work, set the tablet aside, and grabbed her laptop and folder. 'All right, let's go.'

The boardroom was already alive with the quiet murmur of conversation when they entered. The executives sat at the long table, each engaged in their own discussions, as charts and graphs illuminated the large screen. Magnus moved swiftly, connecting the tablet and bringing up the presentation—a cascade of data highlighting potential markets in West Africa and Southeast Asia.

At the sides of the table, just beyond the laptops and tablets, an assortment of sliced fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and guavas were neatly arranged on trays, allowing easy access without interfering with the ongoing meeting. In the centre of the table, decanters of zobo and palm wine were placed alongside traditional clay cups, strategically positioned for anyone to help themselves to a refreshing drink during the meeting.

Peter took his place at the head of the table, gesturing casually for Stella to sit beside him. Magnus settled off to the side, fingers poised to navigate the next set of slides.

'Our goal,' Peter began, his voice steady but commanding, 'is to expand into these new markets by next month. I want to hear thoughts on the risks and opportunities in these regions.'

Mr. Bola, one of the executives, leaned forward. 'West Africa's a natural choice. We've got a strong presence in Nigeria and Cameroon, so expanding into neighbouring countries makes sense.'

'But Southeast Asia has bigger growth potential,' another executive countered. 'The tech scene's booming, especially in Indonesia and Vietnam. We could tap into new customer bases.'

As the room filled with competing ideas, Peter caught Stella's eye and gave a slight nod.

Clearing her throat, Stella leaned into the conversation. 'Both regions are promising, but we need to look at the current economic climate. West Africa's familiar, but political instability in some areas could threaten long-term growth.'

A few heads nodded in agreement, some reaching for fruit or a drink to keep their energy up. She continued, her voice gaining confidence. 'Meanwhile, Southeast Asia offers rapid growth and a strong middle class. Indonesia, in particular, has seen massive investment in digital infrastructure. That's where we need to establish strong local partnerships. Without them, navigating the regulatory landscape there would be difficult.'

She glanced at Magnus, who immediately brought up a projection showing recent trends in Jakarta's tech sector.

'It's crucial,' Stella added, 'to align with firms already established in Jakarta. The city's digital ecosystem is thriving but heavily regulated.'

Peter's lips twitched into a subtle smile. Glancing around the room, he said, 'Stella's right, sustainability and adaptability will be key. Jakarta presents a unique opportunity, but we need to approach it carefully, ensuring we comply with all regulations while also moving swiftly.'

As the meeting came to a close, Magnus silently slid a note to Stella, detailing key regulatory challenges in Indonesia. She glanced at it, nodded, and slipped it into her folder.

The team dispersed, strategies drafted and decisions made. Magnus stayed behind for a moment and poured himself a cup of palm wine from the decanter at the centre of the table. He took a slow sip, letting the rich, earthy taste settle, then drained the rest in one smooth motion. Setting the empty clay cup down gently, he gave a final glance at Stella, offered a small nod, and exited the room, tablet tucked under his arm.

As Stella gathered her things, Peter lingered, catching her eye.

'You did well,' he said softly, his tone carrying a rare warmth.

Stella offered a professional smile. 'I'm glad my input was helpful for the meeting.'

Peter nodded, though there was something more in his gaze, something unspoken. 'Yes, your input was needed, but I also want to make sure you know I'm thankful for what you did, even though it's part of your job.'

He walked out, leaving Stella in the now-quiet boardroom. She let out a small breath, gathered her things, and returned to her office, satisfied with another challenge conquered.

***