Chapter 3: The Presentation

Annabel’s POV

I got to the Stroke development company and found out that I was not the only one that had been waiting for this opportunity.

It just occurred to me how hungry youths are to show their talents.

Moving closer to the person I assumed was a worker attending to everyone, I saw a lot of capable people, men who I was sure are very good at things like this.

For a moment I got discouraged.

“Are you sure I can do this?” I questioned myself through my breath.

Loads of thoughts ran through my head, but I still went forward anyway. The least that could happen is them rejecting my work. Besides, the opportunity states that only one winner would be selected.

I was given my card number as we all waited for when we would start.

Just then, a lady in a black leather skirt and well ironed white shirt came in, informing us to move to an auditorium where the competition would be held.

We all got in and sat down. My eyes schemed the large hall, realizing how huge it was and how well arranged everything was. We all sat down according to our number card.

A few moments later, the entrance of the CEO was announced and the whole room went quiet.

Just then, the one person who I feel like he has been following me around came in.

Daniel.

Because how is it possible that since the last few days that I came back, not a single day has not passed without me bumping or encountering him.?

He was wearing a black suit that no doubt looked expensive. Then a white shirt inside the jacket, complemented with a well knotted tie. He walked majestically until he got to the seat specially made for him.

And to think of it I never did any research about the company let alone who the CEO was. I had randomly sent my application to many companies and when I got the email, I was only invested in delivering a perfect speech.

But never on earth did I think that Daniel would be the CEO of the most successful company in New York. He’s one of the Stroke family.

O.M.G

Daniel stroke? I could remember Stephanie mentioning him those days in school but I never thought this is how I will meet her billionaire lover.

The presentation began. Everyone was doing perfect. It was a room filled with intellectual men. Every single idea from each person made me think that my effort was not enough.

The most interesting presentation was that of Lucian. He had introduced himself before presenting and he told us about his lucky casino App where people will be allowed to stake money, play several games and if lucky enough, would win real cash higher than what they staked.

Just then my number was called by the woman who earlier introduced us to this auditorium. “Number 120”. I was lost in thought that I never knew that was my number. She called repeatedly, and when she was about to call the next number, I looked at my card and that was when it hit me.

“I’m here”. I stood up drawing all the attention in the room.

My knees were still shaking as I took one step at a time till I reached the stage.

My eyes darted around the room looking at the huge number of people waiting to hear me out and then to Daniel whose expression clearly showed that he was not expecting to see me but returned to an emotionless face when our eyes met.

I drifted my eyes from him, cleared my throat and then began. “Good morning all”. The audience responded, while I gave back a light smile gathering up my confidence.

“I’m Annabel…Annabel Green”. My voice cracked a bit. “I will be taking you all through my project which I named the evergreen dating app”.

I steadied myself. My eyes swept the room and just then my confidence skyrocketed, making me speak louder without fidgeting. “Our schedules are now tighter, the world is becoming busier. Most people don't have the time to stop each other on the way just to know them, in order to build a strong relationship”. My eyes wandered around the room once more.

“But with the evergreen dating app, adults will get hooked up, have conversations and probably from there, conclude to meet each other. With just an app you can meet the love of your life, with just an app you can easily get someone to have your daily fling with. All the both parties need to do is d******d the app, subscribe and search till they get hooked to the one they fantasized about”.

I scrolled through my laptop which was displayed on the projector screen. Showing how I have designed the app and explained how we would be able to protect our subscribers information and their conversations. “Finally, with a better promotional team we will be able to make this app bigger and more productive. Thank you”. I ended with a slight bow.

After my speech the room was still silent, everybody still looked at me like they were waiting for me to continue, as if they had just realized that I was done, a thunderous clap filled the air.

Then I looked at Daniel who was seated with his lips curled to a smile and his face written how proud he was. That alone gave me the answer I needed.

My presentation was not that bad as I had assumed.

The speeches went on, until the last person. before we were dismissed.

They have announced that they will email the winner. So no need to wait. I went out to get a cab but a voice stopped me.

It was Daniel.

He came forward, wearing a casual smile.

Not knowing what to say, I muttered, “Uhm… Mr stroke, thank you for giving us the opportunity to present our project”.

He clicked his teeth. “Nah, that’s what this firm is for. You don’t need to thank me. By the way your speech was fabulous”. He leaned closer to my ear. “And… you look sexy in this red gown”. He whispered, grinning wildly.

My mouth opened to say something but I did not find any word.

“Meanwhile, I will love to have you in my house tonight”. He continued.

“Wait…what?”. My expression totally shows that I’m never going to accept his offer.

He laughed dryly as he pressed his body against mine. “Why are you surprised? Don’t you find me attractive? Besides, if you are able to give me what I need tonight, maybe you will get your app funded”.

I stood straight to him. My chest rising and falling from his nasty words. “With all due respect sir, I will love to leave. So if you don’t mind…”

He pulled back the strand of hair falling on my face. “Many women would die to have this opportunity”. His voice filled with desire.

As much as I find him attractive, I can’t bring myself to sleep my way into getting a job. But looking at this, having him will only make Stephanie mad. And that is the goal.

Make James jealous and drive Stephanie insane.

“Fine, tonight”. I said boldly.

He laughed victoriously. “That’s my girl. The same house, nine p.m. for dinner”.