Chapter 117 Meeting With Two

Chapter 117 Meeting With Two
Brielle's POV

I pushed open the door to Tim’s old company building, trying to ignore the weight pressing down on my chest. It was a familiar feeling by now, the tightness that crept in whenever I exerted myself too much or felt overwhelmed. Today, it was both. But this meeting with Mark and Natalie was too important to let my health get in the way. I had to push through. Daylan was worried about me being here due to my health after the wedding, but I was determined. This was something I wanted to make happen, and I didn't want it to slip through my fingers because of my health.

As I entered the empty cafeteria where we had agreed to meet, I spotted Mark seated at one of the tables, his calm and composed demeanor making him look completely in control. Natalie was already there too, nervously adjusting the strap of her bag as she glanced between Mark and the large windows behind them.

"Sorry, I'm late," I said.

Mark looked at me, "Thank you for coming, I hope all is alright," he held my gaze intently. His sharp eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite place, concern maybe, but I forced myself to smile as I took a seat across from him.

"Of course, everything is great. I wouldn’t miss this," I replied, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt. I shifted in the chair, willing the palpitations that had been building up all morning to settle. I could feel Natalie’s eyes on me as she noticed me fidgeting, but I quickly turned to her, hoping to divert attention. "Natalie, I’m so glad you could come."

"Thanks for inviting me," she said, her voice soft but warm. She flashed a nervous smile at Mark before turning back to me. "I’m excited, but, um, a little nervous too."

Mark nodded, picking up on her unease. "No need to be nervous. We are all here to make something great together," he said in a calm and collected manner. “Let’s get started. First things first, Brielle, are we still keeping the Phoenix name or are there any changes to it?"

I straightened in my seat, pushing away the persistent thudding in my chest. "Yes, I have thought a lot about it, and I want to keep the name Phoenix Publishing House," I said firmly. The name still stands for what it represents; rebirth, rising from the ashes.

Mark considered my words for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Phoenix Publishing House it is... I still like it. It’s strong, resilient, and exactly what we want this company to represent." He gave me an approving look before glancing over at Natalie. "Now, Natalie, why don’t you show me what you have been working on?"

Natalie fumbled slightly as she pulled out her portfolio, her hands trembling just a bit as she laid it open on the table in front of Mark. "I, uh, I’ve been freelancing for a while, so my work is a mixture of projects," she explained, pushing a few strands of hair behind her ear. "These are some of my designs for book covers, branding, and marketing campaigns."

Mark leaned forward, studying the pages carefully, his expression neutral but focused. I watched him closely, my heart skipping a beat as the palpitations threatened to return. But I couldn’t let myself get distracted. Natalie needed this, and so did I.

As he turned the pages, his eyebrows lifted slightly, a sure sign that he was impressed. "This is excellent work," he said, glancing up at her. "You’ve got a great eye for detail and a unique style. We will definitely need someone like you on board."

Natalie blinked in surprise, a smile breaking across her face. "R-really? I mean, I wasn’t sure if-"

"You will work with us when you can, as I know you are a freelancer," Mark cut in, his tone decisive but kind. "But I can see you being a valuable part of this team. I’m serious. You are good."

She let out a breath, relief washing over her. "Thank you. I would love to work with you both," she said, her smile widening as she looked at me, gratitude in her eyes.

I tried to smile back, but my chest tightened again, harder this time. It was subtle, but I could feel the telltale signs of the palpitations starting up. I pressed a hand to my chest briefly, hoping neither of them noticed, and focused on Mark as he continued speaking.

"Now, Brielle," Mark turned his attention back to me, "there is a lot we will need to work on for Phoenix Publishing. Obviously, we need to rebuild the team, and I will help you with the hiring process. We will need strong editors, marketing experts, and, of course, more designers like Natalie. But we will also want to revamp the company’s image. A fresh website, branding, and a clear vision for the future. It’s going to take time, but we will make it work."

His voice was clear and direct, and everything he said made sense. But it was hard to concentrate. The pounding in my chest was getting worse, and I could feel sweat start to bead along my forehead. I wanted to tell him I needed a break, but I couldn’t. Not now.

He paused, looking at me with concern. "Are you okay? You have been pretty quiet."

I forced myself to meet his gaze, willing my voice to sound steady. "I’m fine, just... a lot to take in."

His eyes narrowed slightly, clearly not convinced, but before he could press further, I spoke again. "I’m excited about working with Natalie. She’s so talented, and I think she will be a great fit for Phoenix."

Mark glanced at Natalie, then back at me, his expression softening. "I agree. Natalie’s going to be a great asset. But Brielle, you don’t look well. Are you sure you’re okay?"

"I’m fine," I lied again, smiling weakly. "Just a little tired, that’s all."

Mark hesitated, clearly still not believing me, but he nodded. "Alright, but don’t push yourself too hard. You’re going to need your strength for everything that’s coming. Think about your condition and your baby. Those two always come first."

As if on cue, my chest tightened again, and I had to swallow hard to keep my breathing steady. The last thing I needed was to have another episode in front of them. I couldn’t let that happen.

Mark’s phone rang on the table, and he glanced down at it, frowning. "Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this," he said, standing up and stepping away from the table.

The moment he left, Natalie turned to me, her eyes filled with concern. "Brielle, are you really okay? You look really pale."

I gave her a reassuring smile, though it felt forced. "I’m fine, really. It’s just been a long day."

Natalie didn’t look convinced one bit, "I know you're lying because you said three different things and I doubt that even worked on Mark." she said.

"I will be fine, I just need the rest."

She nodded before she glanced over at her portfolio, clearly still in shock that Mark had been so impressed with her work. "I can’t believe he liked my designs," she said quietly, almost to herself. "I didn’t think I was good enough."

"You are more than good enough," I assured her as she looked at me again, my voice soft as I tried to focus on anything other than the tightening in my chest. "I have seen your work. You are amazing, so never doubt yourself."

She blushed, looking down at her hands. "Thank you. That means a lot, coming from you and from Mark."

Before I could respond, Mark returned to the table, his expression serious. "Sorry about that," he said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "I’ve got to head out for another meeting, but we will continue this conversation soon." He paused for a moment, looking at me with a hint of concern. "Will you be okay?"

I nodded quickly, not trusting myself to speak without revealing how bad I felt. "I’m fine," I repeated, standing up from the table a little too fast. My vision swam for a second, and I had to grip the edge of the table to steady myself.

Mark watched me closely, his eyes narrowing. "Alright, but take care of yourself. I will check in with you later."

With that, he left the cafeteria, leaving me and Natalie alone. I exhaled slowly, trying to calm the racing in my chest, but it was no use. I could feel the palpitations threatening to overwhelm me again.

"Brielle," Natalie’s voice was soft but filled with worry, "Do you need to see a doctor?"

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "I will be okay. I will rest when I get home."

But deep down, I wasn’t so sure. Something wasn’t right. And I had a feeling it wasn’t just the pressure of the job getting to me. I had lied so many times in this meeting and I knew it was pointless. I had to tell Daylan that they were persisting.