535 The Boardroom Battle

(Winona)

Today isn't just any meeting-it's the meeting. The one where the board either gets behind my vision for the app's future or decides I'm just a placeholder CEO with a famous name.

I step out of the bedroom, grabbing my portfolio from the dresser. Jayden is in the kitchen like he doesn't have a million things to do before he leaves for Brussels.

He looks up as I walk in, his gaze sweeping over me in that slow, assessing way.

"Wow! Stunning. You look like you could fire everyone before they've even said hello," he says, smirking.

I huff, placing my portfolio into my leather briefcase. "I'm considering it."

"Nervous?"

I scoff. "No."

He raises an eyebrow. "Winona."

"Fine, I'm nervous. Only a lot," I quip.

Jayden folds his arms. "They'd be idiots not to get behind you. You've already proven it's your priority."

"That doesn't mean they're going to just hand me the budget I need," I counter. "The marketing strategy is aggressive. The rebrand isn't cheap. The amount of money I'm asking them to invest is—"

"Exactly what they need to do if they want to dominate the market," he cuts in. "Winona, you know this industry. You know finance. You know people. Lance wouldn't have you in that chair if you weren't the right person for it." I let out a slow breath. He's right, but that doesn't mean I trust these board members will see it that way.

"Go in with no doubts," he says, his voice firm. "You have the numbers to back you up. You have the research. Don't doubt yourself. You've done the work, no go sell the idea with no hesitation."

He's right. "No hesitation."

of throwing people into the deep end just to see if they'd sink or swim. They didn't all swim.

nod. "I

His touch is warm, grounding. "Call me after,"

and kisses me gently. "For good luck. Not that you'll need it. But Winona, if you get in there and you

Global will take you with open

hand before pulling away. "I'll call you as soon as I

walk out, I push everything else to the back of my mind-Jayden leaving, Kit and River starting, Lisa's confusion with Logan, my fall and everything that

***

as hell, but I walk in like I own

some offering polite nods, others barely glancing up. I take my place at the head of the table, setting down my portfolio with

time," I say, my voice clear, strong. No hesitation. I've met them all before and

member, says, adjusting his glasses. "We've reviewed your proposal for the app's

necessary," I counter smoothly. "The financial market is evolving.

slight shift in the room. I have their

current version of the app is outdated, clunky, and struggling to retain users under thirty-five. We're losing market share to newer, sleeker platforms that

through the slides with precision, laying out every key point-where we're failing, where we can win, and exactly how

the women on the board says, tapping her pen against her notepad. "What guarantee do we

don't blink. "No investment is guaranteed. But I do guarantee that if we don't do this, we'll continue hemorrhaging users, and

exchange looks. Harrow clears his throat. "Your marketing budget is substantial. Why not roll out these changes in phases instead of all at

my head. "Because

embarrassing death. It's lot of money but here are the projections..." I bring up the next slide.

this area

very

profitable right now."

it takes. The momentum shifts. I can see it in their faces-hesitation turning into acceptance, acceptance turning into reluctant approval. Harrow exhales sharply, leaning back in his chair.

relief show. I

you have the skills, You could finance this. Why even

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255