After weighing his options, Ramsey ultimately decided to walk away.
Finding new investors would slow down AeroEdge’s current operations, but if he gritted his teeth and pushed through, they’d survive. Worst case, he’d mortgage everything he owned–it was still better than having no future at all.
He was just about to speak when Noreen finally broke the silence.
“Sorry, I have a few things to say.” She cast her phone screen onto the projector, showing several news headlines.
Fresh off the press–announcements about a new national initiative to accelerate the development of modern agriculture.
“AeroEdge has always specialized in agricultural drones, providing crop protection UAVs and smart farming solutions. Our products are already being used across several countries. When I wrote the project proposal, I factored all of this in–the data I provided is solid and well–supported. With government backing, AeroEdge’s prospect’s will only look better than our predictions.”
She kept it brief, said her piece, and sat back down.
Ramsey felt a surge of gratitude toward Noreen. When he turned back to Bianca, his confidence had returned. “Secretary Gilmore may just be an executive assistant, but her business instincts are razor–sharp–they rival anyone’s with an Ivy League MBA.”
Bianca’s expression shifted slightly.
Seth, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. “Director Lowell only just returned to the country, so she’s not fully up to speed with local policies. That’s probably why she overlooked this point.”
His comment was clearly meant to give Bianca a way out.
Noreen had expected Seth to stand up for Bianca, but she hadn’t expected him to do
it so blatantly.
Maybe that’s what favoritism looks like.
Bianca smiled with effortless composure, emboldened by the support. “That’s on me. Sorry to have made things awkward for you, Mr. Caldwell.”
Ramsey didn’t get a chance to respond.
1/2
11:59
Chapter 22
Instead, Seth stepped in to clarify, “It’s not your fault. You’re new to this project. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Secretary Gilmore–she didn’t hand over the project properly. That was her misstep.”
His voice was calm, but his words landed like a dull blade, each one sinking into
Noreen’s chest.
She took her medication, and gradually, the world seemed a little brighter.
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