Chapter 34 A clash in the boardroom
He looked shocked when I stood up, as if he was expecting me to back down, to show his superiority. Clearing my throat, I began, going through everything I had already prepared. As if I knew this was going to happen, I went through a rundown of the new design I was working on, the same that was almost crippling me with the excessive demands.
For the first time since I started my career, it was the first time I was working on a given theme, not from inspiration, as I had always done. It was a challenge to me, one I wasn't ready to flunk.
Dashiell and the others looked shocked as I went through everything I wrote. He was surprised, like the others, that I actually prepared for it.
"That's all I have to say. Thanks for listening." I sat back in my chair, a small smile playing on my lips at my victory. Without being told, I knew I had won the battle. "Is there anything you desire me to speak on?" I lifted an eyebrow at him, smirking. "Do you need me to speak in the colours or ..." Just like he did to me, I was ready to retaliate. "Is there anything you don't understand? Perhaps I used more complex words?"
"Nah, I'm good." Clearing his throat, he got up from his chair, as he once acted like he wasn't affected. "Miss Nova had said it all. However, I would appreciate your input on the project. Please don't hesitate to give your opinions."
As he sat back in his armchair, the others started giving their suggestions, until we arrived at a point.
"Which colour do you feel will be good for the project?" Dashiell asked. "We need a theme. Like an opening for it."
"Ruby red will be okay. It will go smoothly with the jewellery and the project. We need something mature and pretty, something that will speak to all ages, and not just one," I suggested, having decided during the creation of my jewellery to use Ruby red as the tone. It works so well with my design and would be effective in getting all sexes.
"I doubt that. Ruby Red doesn't seem that good. Black should match as well. It will also go with the latest suit design we intend to launch, along with your jewellery. I believe this will suit our project more than the Ruby red you proposed."
The others nodded at his words. Of course, they will. He was, after all, their CEO. They would always follow anything he said, like fools. But not me. I wasn't scared of Dashiell as they were. After all, the contract Brion signed with him would only last for a year. After that, I would be on my way to the States, with my head held high, and Dashiell grovelling on my feet, with that bitch Lilith.
I still don't know how to go about the plan.
"Nova?"
Blinking, I looked up at him, frowning at the call. "What's wrong?" Keeping my face neutral was becoming a norm for me.
"Do you agree with the colour like the others? Or do you still have a suggestion?"
"I don't believe black should be the theme. The suit itself is in black, so the theme should be something lighter. Something that speaks to anyone who sees it, and not just a bland colour. Ruby red is our best bet."
"I don't understand why you're being so stubborn about this, Nova. Black is a classic choice. It's timeless and sophisticated. Ruby Red is a risk. It's flashy and attention-seeking," he argued, his eyes narrowed to slits as he watched me. "Not only will black match well with our designs, but it will show our customers how mature we are."
"Matured?" I scoffed at that. Hearing someone as childish as Dashiell utter the word was something funny. "Ruby red being flashy is exactly why I think it is the right choice, Mr Dashiell. It's bold, it's daring, and it will make our product stand out in a crowded market. Black is boring, it's safe, and it's what everyone else is doing. If I'm correct, this isn't the first time you guys have used black. Why don't you move outside the box? Do something different for once!"
I forgot we were with others. At the moment, I just needed him to see things from my perspective. If this were just about him, I wouldn't have been bothered. I'm only fighting for the colour because of my designs. Else, I wouldn't have done that. I would have allowed him to do whatever the hell he wanted to do.
He scoffed at my words, tapping his index finger on the table as he once more fixed his emerald eyes on me. "Bold and daring? You mean garish and tacky. I won't let you ruin this project with your reckless design choices. I'm the CEO, and I make the final decisions here," he stated, seeking to exert his authority.
My anger rose to a crescendo at his words. If there was one thing I hated, it was others abusing their power. He knew none of us could fight him on this should he use his position, and I was taking none of this. "And I'm the designer, Dashiell. I know what I'm doing. You're just trying to exert your control over me like you always do. But I won't let you bully me into submission. I'm not like your workers who all nod like lizards each time you question them, always blindly following you. Ruby Red is the right choice, and I won't back down."
"Fine, have it your way. But if this project fails, it's on you. I warned you. Should this project crash because of your suggestions, you will have yourself to blame," he threatened.
"You know what? I've had enough of your condescending attitude and your refusal to listen to my ideas. I'm out of here!" I got up and gathered my things, not bothering to look into the shocked eyes of the others. "Have fun doing things your damned way!" I stormed out of the boardroom and slammed the door shut behind me.