Chapter 9

Clara prepared meticulously for her visit to the Blackwood Empire. She spent all night perfecting the company proposal, ensuring every detail was flawless. Andrew watched her with a mixture of pride and determination, knowing that this moment was crucial for her

The next morning, Andrew accompanied Clara to the Blackwood Empire. They arrived at the towering building, its imposing structure reflecting the power and influence the company held. Clara's thoughts raced with doubt. Given the size and grandeur of Blackwood Corporation, she couldn't help but believe that securing this project was an impossible task. The idea of announcing her proposal in such a renowned setting made her feel small and insignificant.

How could the Johnsons compete with such giants? However, she found strength in Andrew's constant support. He observed her fear and gave her a reassuring grin while gently squeezing her hand. "We've got this, Clara," he muttered.

Regardless of her reservations, Clara took a deep breath, gathered herself, and prepared to face the battle ahead.

As they entered the company lounge, they were met with an unexpected sight. Gideon, Micheal, and Sarah’s fiancé, Daniel, were already there, waiting to present their own proposal.

Gideon's eyes narrowed as he spotted Clara and Andrew approaching. “Well, well, well," Gideon sneered, standing up. "Look who decided to show up. The underdogs themselves."

Micheal, who was sitting beside him, smirked. "Clara, Andrew, what a surprise. Are you here to spectate? Because there's no way you believe you have a chance at this contract."

Daniel, standing next to Michael, chuckled. "Seriously, it's almost sad. The Johnson Company? Competing against us? It's laughable."

Clara squared her shoulders, trying to ignore their taunts. "We're here to propose our company's plan, just like everyone else."

Gideon scoffed. "You mean your sad excuse for a company? Come on, Clara. Even though you know you're out of your league."

Andrew stepped forward, his eyes flashing with defiance. "We'll see about that, Gideon. Let's let the Blackwood executives decide."

David leaned in, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Oh, Andrew, always so hopeful. But let's be real, you're just dragging Clara down. If she were with someone like Gideon, she'd already be successful."

Micheal nodded. "Exactly. Clara, you deserve so much better. Why waste your time with someone who's only going to hold you back?"

Clara's face flushed with anger, but she held her ground. "Andrew is my husband, and I believe in him. We're in this together."

Gideon laughed. "Together in failure, maybe. But good luck with that. You're going to need it."

Ignoring their sneers, Clara and Andrew waited for their turn. The moments passed slowly, the air thick with tension. Andrew could feel Clara's nervousness and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Finally, her names were called, and she walked into the conference room, leaving Gideon, Michael, Andrew, and Daniel behind. As she wanted to enter, Andrew whispered, "You've got this, Clara. Just be yourself."

Clara nodded and took a big breath. She stood in front of the Blackwood Vice CEO, Mrs Janet, prepared to make her proposal. Despite the humiliations, Clara experienced a boost in confidence. She knew that with Andrew by her side, she could handle anything.

Meanwhile, in the lounge, Gideon, Micheal, and Daniel continued to insult and belittle them, utterly oblivious that their remarks were simply strengthening Andrew's resolve to show them wrong.

Clara went inside Janet’s office to begin her presentation. Andrew excused himself from the lobby, found a quiet corner in the hallway, and dialed Janet Num, his vice CEO, on his phone. It rang only once before she picked up.

“Mr. Blackwood,” Janet greeted, her voice crisp and professional.

“Janet, that’s my wife inside with you. Let her do her presentation so it won’t be obvious we’re giving her the contract without her putting in the work. After that, award her the contract immediately,” Andrew said firmly.

There was a brief pause before Janet responded, "Understood, Mr. Blackwood. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

As he hung up, Andrew couldn't help but smile. Everything was falling into place. He knew Clara had the skills and the determination, and now she would have the support of the Blackwood Empire behind her.

As Andrew returned to the lobby, he quietly slipped back in and took a seat at the back. Gideon, still brimming with a sense of superiority, couldn’t resist taunting him again.

“Back so soon, Andrew?” Gideon sneered. “Didn’t expect you to stick around. I thought you’d be running off somewhere else.”

Andrew looked at Gideon with a calm, unruffled demeanor. “I’m just here to support my wife. I’m sure you’ll do great with your proposal.”

Gideon scoffed. “Oh, is that what you’re calling it now? Supporting? Or is it just another way to watch your wife fail? Either way, it’s entertaining to see you so invested.”

Gideon and the others continued to conduct temper tantrums, attempting to provoke Andrew, but he opted to ignore them and concentrate on Clara's presentation. He was tempted to answer, but he maintained his poise, careful not to expose his true identity or goals.

Clara talked with unwavering confidence, describing the advantages of having the Johnson Company handle the job. The CEOs seemed impressed, nodding as she delivered her case.

After she finished, there was a brief hush as the executives exchanged glances. Mrs Janet, the board's chairperson, stood up next.

"Thank you, Mrs. Johnson, for your extensive presentation. "We will now deliberate and make a decision," she explained.

Clara nodded, thanked them for their time, and turned to exit the room. Andrew accompanied her as she returned to the lobby, her hand quivering slightly in his.

"You were amazing," Andrew said softly, attempting to soothe her. "I'm sure you did great." Clara flashed him a slight smile. "I hope it was enough."

As they reached the foyer, Gideon, Michael, and Daniel lounged smugly while waiting for their turn.

Gideon looked up, smirking. "Finished already? That was rapid. Unfortunately, it won't make a difference.

Before Clara could react, the conference room door opened, and Janet emerged, looking for Clara. "Mrs. Johnson?" Janet called out. "If you could please come with me, we have reached a decision."

Andrew looked at Gideon with joy in his eyes before following Clara to Janet. Gideon's smirk broke somewhat as he watched them leave, and a sense of worry crept in.