Tasha’s POV
The meeting had barely started when Venessa began to challenge every decision I proposed. It was almost as if she had come prepared to undermine me at every turn. Her posture was rigid, her gaze cold and calculating as she interrupted me during my presentation.
“Hold on a second, Tasha,” Venessa said, raising her hand to stop me mid–sentence. The rest of the team shifted in their seats, sensing the tension between us. don’t quite understand the rationale behind that strategy. It seems a bit…rushed, don’t you think?”
I looked up from my notes, locking eyes with her. There it was, the subtle yet condescending tone! remembered so well. But I wasn’t the same person I had been all those years ago. I wasn’t going to let her
rattle me.
“With all due respect, Venessa,” I began, keeping my voice steady and professional, “this strategy has been carefully planned and takes into account the current market conditions. The timeline is designed to capitalize on a unique window of opportunity. I’ve gone over the numbers extensively with the team, and we’re confident this approach is the most effective.”
Venessa leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she smirked. “Confident, huh? I just think you’re being overly optimistic. These kinds of risks could backfire, and we can’t afford any missteps right now.”
I clenched my jaw, but I kept my tone measured. “I understand your concern, but I stand by my assessment. We’ve taken calculated risks before and succeeded. This is no different.”
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Of course, you stand by it. But just because you think you’re in charge now doesn’t mean everyone here is going to blindly follow your lead.”
The room fell silent, and I could feel the eyes of the other officials darting between us. They were watching closely, waiting to see how I would respond. I couldn’t afford to show any weakness, not in front of them, and definitely not in front of Venessa.
I smiled coolly. “No one’s asking for blind loyalty, Venessa. What I’m asking for is teamwork. We’re all here to contribute and make this project a success. If you have a better suggestion, I’d be happy to hear
it.”
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting me to push back so calmly. “Better suggestion? Sure. Maybe instead of rushing this proposal, we take another week to refine it. New York won’t crumble if we give ourselves more time to perfect the strategy.”
I shook my head. “Taking another week isn’t an option. We’d lose the competitive edge we’ve worked so hard to build. The timing is crucial.”
Venessa scoffed, leaning forward with a challenge in her eyes. “So, we’re supposed to just trust your gut feeling on this? That’s a big gamble, Tasha, And not one I’m willing to stake my reputation on.”
I held her gaze, refusing to back down. “It’s not a gamble. It’s called experience. I’ve led successful campaigns before, and this one will be no different. If you’re not willing to stake your reputation, that’s your choice, but the rest of the team has already seen the data and agreed that this is the right move.” Venessa opened her mouth to argue, but before she could say anything, Jacques, one of the senior officials from Paris, cleared his throat. “I’ve looked over the strategy as well,” he said, his voice calm but
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GRANKE, DRAM TRA
authoritative. “And I agree with Ms Taylor. The timing critical. We can’t afford to wait
Venessa’s expression faltered for a moment, and I could see the frustration building behind her eyes. She wasn’t used to losing, especially not to me. But this time, the tide was turning in my favor
I nodded at Jacques, grateful for his support, then turned my attention back to the rest of the room “If there are no further objections, we’ll proceed with the current plan
The room was silent, and Venessa didn’t say another word. She sat back in her chair, her jaw tight as the rest of the team nodded in agreement. The meeting moved on, but I could feel her icy stare on me the
entire time.
As the meeting wrapped up and people began gathering their things, Venessa stood and walked straight up to me, her voice low but venomous. “Don’t think for a second this is over, Tasha. You may have won today, but I’m not going to let you walk all over me.”
I met her gaze, unflinching. “I’m not here to walk over anyone, Venessa. But I’m also not going to let you drag me down. If you have a problem, I suggest you take it up with the rest of your tear. Otherwise, stay out of my way.”
With that, I turned and walked away, leaving her standing there seething.
“What was that about?” Claire asked, her tone curious but cautious as we headed toward where Ethan was calmly waiting for us.
I glanced at Ethan, who was busy playing with his toy cars, blissfully unaware of the tension I had just left behind. Then I looked back at Claire, letting out a small sigh. “It’s a long story. A story that belongs to the past.”
Claire gave me a side glance, clearly intrigued. “It sure seems like Venessa Steele has an issue with you. She practically had daggers in her eyes.”
I smiled faintly but said nothing. Claire wasn’t wrong. Venessa had always had it out for me, but that was ancient history. At least, it should have been. Yet here she was, popping up in my life again same city, different setting and the same old bitterness.
“Let’s just focus on the presentation,” I said, steering the conversation away. “There’s too much at stake to get sidetracked by her drama.”
Claire nodded in agreement, though I could tell she was still curious. But she didn’t push, which! appreciated.
As we reached Ethan, he looked up with a bright smile. “Mommy, did you win?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle, kneeling down to ruffle his hair. “It wasn’t a race, love. But yes, everything’s going to be okay.”
Ethan seemed satisfied with that answer, returning to his cars, humming softly to himself. Watching him, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. My son, my work, and my peace of mind came first.
Claire sat down next to me, laptop in hand. “So, what’s the next step? The presentation is tomorrow. Anything else we need to tighten up?”
I nodded. “Yes, we need to refine a few slides and go over the Q&A prep, Venessa might come for me during the meeting, and I want to be ready.”
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Chapter Twenty Two
Claire smirked. “Well, after what I saw earlier, I think you’re more than ready for her.”
I gave her a grateful smile. “Let’s hope so. But with her you never know.”
As we worked through the presentation details, something still nagged at me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Venessa’s presence wasn’t just a coincidence.
I glanced over at Claire, who was typing away on her laptop. “Claire,” I began cautiously, “can you check something for me?”
She looked up, eyebrow raised. “Sure, what’s that?”
“Venessa Steele,” I said, lowering my voice so Ethan wouldn’t overhear. “I need to know how or why she’s part of the Paris team. It doesn’t make sense. Last I heard, she wasn’t even in the industry.”
Claire paused, fingers hovering above the keyboard. “You think she’s here for more than just business?” I let out a small sigh, leaning back against the couch. “I wouldn’t put it past her. Venessa doesn’t do anything without a reason. And I need to know what that reason is.”
Claire nodded, her fingers quickly dancing over the keys. “Give me a moment. I’ll see what I can find.” As she worked, I tried to focus on the rest of the presentation, but my mind kept drifting back to Venessa. It had been years since I last saw her, and back then, she was more interested in social status than corporate success. Why the sudden shift? And why now?
A few minutes later, Claire broke the silence. “Got something,” she said, turning the screen toward me.
I leaned in to read. “Vivienne Steele…?” I said slowly, recognizing the name immediately.
Tee Growrich
Author
