Applause rippled through the room as Maria turned from shutting off the projector.
She flushed, unable to contain the pride swelling inside at their board's genuine acknowledgment of her idea.
Miles had truly gone all out, inviting top directors from headquarters—including his father—to witness the presentation.
Maria had practiced faithfully, long before Miles had arrived at the branch making it impossible for her to falter this opportunity.
Daniel and Pete had been seething in their seats the entire time while the majority of the board sat silently, clearly opposed to any objection.
Miles stood, drawing Maria's attention to him. His grey suit over a crisp white shirt, tie slightly loosened at one button, exuded effortless authority.
"Thank you, Maria." he said as her attention returned to his gaze, subtly signaling he'd been watching her.
She lowered her eyes, flustered. "Thank you sir."
Then he addressed the board, "I support Maria's idea of launching in high schools. An opportunity for any one who has objections or alternative suggestions for launch?"
Maria's heart raced as she anticipated resistance, but she was ready to prove her view from whichever point it came from.
No one spoke.
"I speak for the rest of the board?" Miles pressed.
"Yes!" the room chorused, the men's voices strong. Daniel's face was tight just as his lips.
"Daniel?" Miles called.
Daniel met his gaze, tension thick in the silence, before nodding as he hissed out, "Yes."
"Good," Miles said, continuing. "I will personally participate in this project. It will reflect the impact of my visit to this branch of GOATASTE."
"And Daniel as well," Mr Genova said from the head of the table, eyes locked on Miles. "Since it's his branch that birthed this idea."
"Yes, he will," Miles replied.
"The school we are targeting for launch is Minchstone. Its a government-private establishment with an impressive record for producing young athletes upon graduation.
The school constantly has attention for potential due to government favouritism as well.
Its reputation draws the elite who seek balanced exposure of their kids to the outside world."
"Minchstone is a great choice," an older man seated beside Mr. Genova said.
Maria noticed the family resemblance between them—likely a relative.
"Jake goes there," he added. "He's hoping to get noticed by a scout."
"Then it's perfect," Miles continued. "I've contacted my P.A; she'll notify the nutritionist to provide a budget for the required ingredients. Thank you all for your time."
Maria stared in awe.
His confidence and intellect worsening his appeal in a dangerous way.
Applause echoed again as the room emptied.
Maria was almost giddy with triumph as she gathered her files.
**
Miles noted Daniel's footsteps behind him as they entered the head office.
"I don't understand, Miles," Daniel said, frustration in his voice.
Miles relaxed into the couch, loosening his tie and the second button of his shirt. He hated how tight these collar shirts stayed around his neck.
"What is it that you don't understand, Daniel?"
"The fact that we could've claimed that idea ourselves, without involving Maria—a potential liability." Daniel muttered, ruffling his hair.
He annoyed Miles' patience further.
Miles ignored him and picked up the bottle of water on the small side stool beside the couch.
His phone blinged—a message from his P.A., Rhea.
"And Pete keeps saying he put down that idea first. How are we supposed to be sure if she can lead such a big project?" Daniel continued.
Miles rolled his eyes as he picked his phone to read Rhea's message:
The nutritionist will provide feedback soon, sir. Deadline in two days.
I'm unapologetically persistent about coming to Mapla to assist you.
Miles smirked, Rhea had always been diligent to a fault—the only reason he overlooked her obvious attraction to him.
"Give it a rest." Miles said, raising his face to Daniel. "This has already been decided. If Pete had any claims to Maria's idea, he should have raised them confidently at the presentation.
I also clearly gave you a chance to voice any earlier objections."
Daniel scoffed lightly as Miles returned to his phone, scrolling slowly through his schedule.
He had to collect Maria's contact today.
His double intentions judged him, reminding him of the other side which was his urge to be closer to her.
Miles didn't doubt Maria's ability to see the project through.
Her presentation had been excellent, despite the suddenness of the meeting.
It had been detailed but completely understandable.
He admired her readiness and zeal, in her body which he got his fill watching—the gentle bounce of the globes of her backside as she moved lingered in his mind.
Her black dress tried—and failed—to hide them.
"I hope you don't get disappointed, big bro." Daniel said, his voice now distant.
Miles mentally concluded Daniel was now seated behind the main table.
Miles ignored him again, irritated by how much he underestimated Maria.
Then his conscience whispered the question: What would his growing attraction to Maria mean in the long run?
**
Jenny could barely contain her excitement as she slid into Maria's desk, this time wearing a pretty green dress that as usual, complimented her figure, unlike Maria who tried to hide hers.
"Soooo," Jenny began, nudging Maria where she sat behind her computer. "How was it?"
Maria smiled proudly, "They loved it, and Mr Miles will be joining the project process too."
Jenny gave an excited silent scream, "I'm so happy for you, girl. I knew not all our superiors were jerks. You deserve this."
"Be careful, Jenny." Maria giggled, voice low. "Pete's still mad."
Jenny scoffed. "And your boyfriend too. Can't forget that one. How is he even related to the CEO? If not for looks, I'd say Daniel was adopted."
Maria shook her head, clearly amused, but she didn't care.
Jenny was the only one who never made her feel bad about dating Daniel or isolated from her because of it.
On the contrary, Jenny always rooted for her ideas but stepped back when she realized the recognition from Daniel and Pete were doing more harm than good to Maria's chances.
"I should return to my desk now," Jenny said. "I'm glad this is happening for you and I know you're capable of making the company proud and who knows, probably get promoted to the headquarters, especially with the way Mr Miles seems to be fond of you."
Maria raised her gaze sharply to meet Jenny's.
"H-how can you tell? He just wants to help." Maria stuttered, acting clueless—but it would be a problem if anyone suspected that Miles and she were closer than they seemed.
The consequences would affect just her and end the opportunity she'd managed to get.
A reminder that whatever attraction she had to Miles was something that shouldn't exist, talk more of noticed by any of her colleagues.
"It's fine," Jenny said. "Just be careful. Rich people can be complicated.
I try so hard not to be caught in their web of drama. Congratulations once again."
As Jenny walked back to her seat, Maria's thoughts spun.
Drama, huh?
Miles had said he'd be fully involved in helping the project, which means they'd be closer.
Her phone rang—an unknown number. She picked it up, but before she could speak, the velvet baritone of Miles' voice came through.
"Maria?" he asked.
"Y-yes sir," she quickly replied, nervous. He had gotten her number too?
"Good. This is my contact, my email will also be forwarded to yours before work is over today. I'll be needing you to send the project's target list at least by mid-next week. Is that enough time?" he said, the unmistakable sexy authority in his voice.
"Yes sir." she replied, biting her lower lip from how much he still affected her even over the phone.
"Great. Enjoy the rest of your day." Miles said and ended the call.
Maria dropped her phone. She was walking a two-edged situation: on one side, opportunity and on the other, her disastrous attraction to the one who made it possible.
She had to be sterner in turning Miles down—but it could have been easier if she wasn't genuinely affected by how much he desired her.