Chapter 11

Tara's POV

Just then, there was a knock on my door. I looked up to see Andrew standing next to it.

“Do you mind if I come in?” He says jokingly I scrambled up to my feet and nodded

“It's your company, after all, I teased with a small smile on my face.

He entered, dragging the seat around me, and then sat down

“I just wanted to check up on you. “ He says thoughtfully, looked around then asked.

“How are you settling in?”

I sighed, rubbing my head as I bent my head on the desk,

“Not so well, I feel like I'm slowly losing it,” I said with a hit of frustration on my face.

He smiled looking at me, trying his hardest not to laugh like he knew how I was battling to fit in.

He breathes out with a small smile,

“Well, you should come to the meeting, We are going to be discussing the important matters of the company, and you should come and share your insight with us. I bet they'll appreciate it.” Although I was surprised, I was happy.

“Are you going to come?” He asked me,

I smiled,

“ For sure, I will. “ He just has a way of putting a smile on my face, He stood up walking out of my office and I immediately followed him.

As we both walked down the hall to the boardroom, as soon as we walked passed the staff, I heard them talking amongst themselves. They were talking about me but I couldn't tell if those things were nice.

I tried to ignore them, but their words were starting to eat away my confidence. I felt my shoulders go low, and my head hanging low. Well, I have to be strong enough. Andrew squeezed my hands, I sighed, rubbing my forehead, it was breaking out in sweat. I was nervous.

We finally got to the board room, I took another deep breath, then steeled myself for what was about to come

“We finally got to the board room, everyone in the room stood up, and my heart began to race.

I took a few steps forward as I tried to keep my head high. I looked around the room I saw on their faces a skeptical look mixed with curiosity. I just knew I had a lot to do to win them over.

The board members settled into their seats, and the meeting officially began. I sat up straight, ready to take notes and provide input when needed. I was determined to make the most of this opportunity and prove my worth.

The first item on the agenda was discussed, and I listened carefully. Other staff made a few suggestions and the board members appreciated their input.

“ Everyone this is Tara. Ensure you make her adjust finely to the company.” Andrew says, as everyone cast their gaze on me in confusion .

I stood up with everyone eyes in me, it held curiousity.

“It so glad to meet you all. “ I said then ook my seat as the meeting started, but it was clear that everyone was reluctant to speak. They glanced at me, their expression sour. I waited for someone to speak, but got nothing, only the silence in the room.

Andrew cleared his throat, then spoke up,

“Anything I should know? So we can fight it,” I said, trying to break the ice. Everyone exchanged glances, I could see them weighing their options. Finally, one of them turned up to say,

“We have to tackle the problem of sinking ships is a complex issue.” He says, addressing, Andrew's question.

Andrew turned to me,

“Tara, would you want to share your insight with us?” Andrew asked out of the Blue, putting me on the spot, everyone turned in my direction, and I instantly went cold, for a moment I forgot why I was there.

I got up, fixingnmy gaze on everyone in the face saying,

“With the files I saw this morning, alot of things have gone wrong. From the designs of the ship to the time of departure and arrival. If we can keep track of there important details then there would be problems.” I went on, they all looked at me shocked at my words.

I was holding them at the peak of my words, I demonstrated when I had to. My eyes didn't fail to catch a few unpleased staff. My confidence began. Wavering but I sighted Andrew, his gaze hileld pride and happy. I gnored the looks on their faces and focused only on the encouraging look Andrew was giving me.

When I was done, I came to a halt, looking at then allowing them to digest all I have said.

That's all I can think of, Sir.” I said, turning fully to Andrew. I could feel the skeptical look on their faces.

If we tackle these faults, we should make a significant improvement on the problem of the sinking ships better “ I said with finality in my voice.

The entire boaed room went silent, everyone exchanging glances with other. A few of them impressed but most of them displeased.

Just then , as I was about to sit, one of the directors stood up, he scoff.

“How sure are you that this is going to work?” He asked with a scoff testing my patience.

The smug look on his face gave him away, he didn't like me.

My anger swell up inside of me, as I clenches my gown lightly, if not for Andrew, I'd lash out and give him a piece of my mind. But it would only make things worse. I shot a respectful glare at him as he spoke, but took a deep breath.

”I understand your fears but we have to take the risk to fix the problem or it won't fix itself.” I said with finality in my voice.

“But I believe that the benefits of the suggestions would outweigh the costs and that they are feasible with the right resources and support.

I looked at Andrew, he was deep in thought, I then felt a surge of hope, knowing that was considering my idea.

“I think we should give her suggestions a chance.” He says with a calm and measured voice.

The board members looked at each other, they had no choice but to here's to his words.

I held my breath, hoping they would at least consider my ideas. The silence stretched on, I felt like I was about to burst.

Finally the meeting was over, Andrew stepped out, as everyone stood up to leave.

As I packed up my things, I felt a gentle squeeze on my shoulder. I turned around and saw one of the other staff standing there.

He looked not much younger than I am, he looked more like Andrew's age. He had a warm smile on his face.

“I just wanted to say that I think your ideas were quite creative. I'm Dave by the way from the Resource department” He said, the smile not wiping out off his face, I was taken aback, but grateful for the unexpected support.

“Thank you, Tara is the name,” I said feeling hope blossom in my chest.

“I appreciate that.” He nodded, then turned to leave but then asked

“The CEO seemed to like you so much for a newbie. Are you two in some sort of relationship?” He asked. I'm guessing that's what others have been thinking too, it was not going to be healthy for me.

“No, I'm not in any romantic relationship with the boss. He's just nice.” I said, making sure to keep my tone professional.

I could tell she was still skeptical, but I hopped deep down that he believed my lie

“I just wanted to be sure. I'll see you at the break then?”

“Sure.” I nodded and then turned back to packing my things as I watched him leave.

“If this is it, nobody should know we're dating,” I said to myself.