The partnership proposal had passed.
A clear majority had voted in favor.
Relieved murmurs spread throughout the conference room.
Several farmers even looked visibly emotional.
For the first time in weeks, there seemed to be hope.
Uncle Herbert nodded before looking in my direction.
"Since Director Alicia was the person who proposed the partnership and has led the project from the beginning, I believe she should oversee the negotiations moving forward."
Several executives nodded in agreement.
President Evan was the first to speak.
"I support that decision."
One after another, the others followed.
The decision was unanimous.
Uncle Herbert smiled.
"Then it’s settled."
His gaze rested on me.
"Director Alicia, the responsibility of handling Whitmore Industries’ partnership negotiations is now officially yours."
For a moment, the room erupted into applause.
I stood there slightly stunned before finally nodding.
"Thank you, everyone."
As the conference ended and everyone gradually exited the room, I remained seated, staring blankly at the documents in front of me.
Everything had happened so quickly.
I had reviewed most of the proposals, and there was no denying it—the proposal from Blackwood Dominion Enterprises was the best among them.
If Whitmore Industries wanted a partnership that would truly benefit both sides while preserving its independence, then Blackwood Dominion was the perfect choice.
And now...
I had been given the responsibility of handling the partnership.
What if someone recognized me?
The thought tightened my chest.
"Director Alicia?"
A familiar voice pulled me out of my trance.
I looked up to find President Evan standing nearby, his gaze filled with concern.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
I blinked before forcing myself to answer.
"I’m fine, sir."
He studied me for a moment.
Then his expression softened slightly.
"Congratulations. You did well."
A small smile appeared on my lips.
"Thank you, President Evan."
He gave a short nod before turning and walking away.
A few seconds later, I followed him out of the conference room.
As soon as I stepped into the hallway, I spotted Anna standing near the entrance, looking around impatiently.
The moment she saw me, her eyes brightened.
"I was wondering what kept you so long in there."
Her gaze briefly drifted toward President Evan’s retreating figure before returning to me.
I narrowed my eyes.
"Why are you always thinking about things like that?"
"Like what?" she asked innocently.
I didn’t bother responding.
Immediately, she threw her arms around me.
"Congratulations, Alicia. I’m really proud of you."
"Don’t choke me," I said, laughing softly.
Unfortunately, that only seemed to encourage her.
She held on even tighter before finally letting go.
The moment she released me, she pouted dramatically.
"What now?" I asked.
"I just can’t believe everyone trusted you with such a huge responsibility."
She crossed her arms.
"You’re so young, yet opportunities keep falling into your lap. I’m jealous."
I couldn’t help laughing.
"Hey, we worked on this together from the beginning, didn’t we?"
I nudged her shoulder.
"So technically, the responsibility was entrusted to both of us."
Then I added with a grin,
"And besides, I’m older than you."
"Hey!"
Anna immediately protested.
"You’re only older by one year."
"I’m still older."
I started walking away before she could argue further.
The next few days passed in a blur of preparations.
As expected, Blackwood Dominion Enterprises was officially selected as Whitmore Industries’ preferred partner.
Soon, a formal acceptance letter was sent confirming the partnership.
I personally reviewed every document before it was forwarded.
It wasn’t that I was no longer afraid.
I was.
Every time I saw the name Blackwood Dominion, my heart still tightened.
But eventually, I realized something.
I couldn’t allow the people who had accepted me at my lowest to suffer because of my own fears.



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