Mason stared at her, waiting for her to tremble as usual before him. But she didn't. Instead, she met his glare head-on, surprising her husband.
"I don't mean to be disrespectful or challenge your authority, President Harrington, but I believe everyone here, no matter their position today, once started as a newbie. You've all worked your way up to earn the roles you now hold."
Following Anastasia's response, the room stirred uncomfortably.
The board members exchanged glances, some nodding subtly as her words struck a chord.
Then she continued...
"I simply ask for the chance to prove myself. Let me present this project, and you can decide its merit based on the outcome."
There was a pause, then murmurs of agreement spread across the room.
"She's got a point."
"Well, it wouldn't hurt to listen."
"She seems confident enough."
Nicholas leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as a satisfied smile spread across his face. He looked at Mason, who still stood motionless, his posture rigid.
Mason's sharp eyes scanned the room, observing the positive reception Anastasia had garnered.
He knows that opposing her now would only raise questions and cast doubt on his leadership.
With an almost imperceptible sigh, he turned and returned to his seat.
His cold gaze flicked toward Nicholas, who smirked knowingly, then back to Anastasia. Mason then made a small gesture with his hand.
"Proceed," he said curtly.
Anastasia bowed slightly as she moved confidently toward the projector, tablet in hand, and began her presentation.
She introduced the concept of an educational app designed to make learning engaging and accessible for children, even during holidays.
Using clear visuals and well-researched data, she explained its advantages for parents, educators, and the broader educational sector.
Her voice carried conviction, and her thorough understanding of the project shone through every word.
As she finally concluded, the room erupted in murmurs of praise.
"That was exceptional!"
"Impressive for someone so new."
"This project has real potential."
One of the board members, an older gentleman with a reputation for being critical, spoke first.
"I must admit, I didn't expect much from someone so inexperienced. But that was a confident, well-structured presentation. Excellent work, Ms Anastasia."
Anastasia's lips curved into a small smile as she inclined her head.
"Thank you," she replied softly.
Another board member turned to Nicholas, admiration in his tone.
"Mr. Nicholas, you've certainly uncovered a gem here. She's a real asset to the company."
Nicholas acknowledged the compliment with a subtle nod, his eyes glinting with triumph.
Mason, meanwhile, remained stoic, though inwardly, a storm brewed. He could feel the room's energy shifting, the spotlight falling on Anastasia and Nicholas.
A strange, unfamiliar pang gnawed at him, something he quickly dismissed as his fists formed into balls under the table.
'Jealousy?' he thought. 'No, that's impossible!"
Breaking his inner turmoil, one of the board members addressed him directly.
"President Harrington, what's your opinion on the presentation? Surely you have some insights."
All eyes turned to Mason, including Anastasia's. She stood by the projector, tablet clutched tightly in her hands, her face composed.
She knew her husband wouldn't let her walk away without a challenge.
Mason's gaze slowly shifted to Anastasia, his expression cool and calculating.
"The presentation was fair enough," he uttered, his tone sharp, "but we cannot ignore the potential risks associated with this project. Every new initiative comes with uncertainties, and as a company, we must anticipate and prepare for them."
At his reply, Anastasia fought the urge to roll her eyes. She had expected nothing less from him... a calculated dismissal masked as concern.
Still, she maintained her composure, her face betraying none of her frustration.
"Before this project can even be considered," Mason continued, "I want a revised proposal. It should include a detailed analysis of the risks, the benefits, and how this project could impact the company's shares in the long run."
The room grew tense as board members looked at each other and many silently questioned Mason's decision.
Wasn't this task more suited for senior management? And Anastasia was a newbie, after all.
Yet no one dared to speak against him, not when his reasoning, though harsh, was sound.
Nicholas, however, leaned forward in his chair, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Mr. President, with all due respect, that isn't her responsibility. Anastasia is an operational analyst, not a risk strategist."
But Mason's gaze snapped to Nicholas.
"And if the company suffers losses because of a poorly vetted project, will you take responsibility, Nicholas? Will you personally cover the damage?"
Nicholas's face contorted, but he didn't respond. He knew better than to argue further when it came to Mason's authority in business matters.
Anastasia, who had been silent throughout the exchange, forced a polite smile.
"I'll do it," she said calmly, despite the knot tightening in her stomach.
The board members murmured quietly, some nodding in sympathy for her while others silently agreed with Mason's point.
"Good," Mason said abruptly, rising from his seat. Without another glance, he strode out of the room.
One by one, the board members began to file out, their conversations subdued. Soon, only Anastasia and Nicholas remained.
Anastasia quietly packed up her materials, her hands moving slightly on the papers. Nicholas stared at her for a moment before he finally stepped closer to her.
"Do you want freedom?" He suddenly asked.
Anastasia froze, her hand hovering over her tablet. Slowly, she lifted her head, her eyes wide with confusion.
"What… what do you mean?" with a raised brow, she demanded.
Nicholas studied her for a moment, his gaze fixed on her wedding ring.
"If your family's debt is what's keeping you tied to Mason… I can pay it off for you."
The sudden words hit Anastasia hard.
She stared at him, stunned into silence. The room felt impossibly small as her mind struggled to process what he had just mentioned.
No one knows about the deal except for Mason, his mother, grandpa and her family.
None of the Harrington extended family who was present at the wedding, even knows why she got married to Mason in the first place.
So, how come Nicholas who had just returned after good five years, could know about the deal that tied her to Mason.
"How…" her voice faltered before she finally managed, "How do you know about the debt?"