The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 74

“Thank you everyone for coming to today’s event. Some of you already know each other, but there are many new faces here today. We encourage you all to mingle, exchange your business cards, and hopefully make those network connections that could trigger the next great boom for our local economy.”

At this, everyone clapped politely.

“At this time, however, we request that everyone here take their seat at the front, facing the podium. We have many presentations today with several breaks throughout the day. Thank you very much.”

I was handed a schedule by one of the workers of the event that showed my presentation would be given in the second half of the event. Sheila would be giving hers first. I had no idea how she managed that. The chairman and I had known each other for years. Had Sheila really wowed him that much?

Sitting through Sheila’s presentation, I noticed some overlap with my own, but because she had gone first and there was a gap until it was my turn, I had the time to mentally restructure what I wanted to say. Perhaps going first wasn’t the boon I had initially thought it was.

When it came to be my turn, I was prepared and gave a smooth presentation. There were some confused faces at first, likely regarding there being two different presentations for the same company, but by the end, I had won them over.

“How charming,” one of the businessmen told me after my presentation, during one of our mingling breaks. “I never would have expected two good plans from the same company. You both covered such different things. Did you plan for that?”

“No, actually,” I said. “But the company is versatile enough that –”

“Forgive me,” Sheila said, adding herself to the conversation. She shot me a cool look before warming as she looked at the businessman. “I’m the one you want to talk to.”

“Oh?” the businessman said, his smile falling as his brows rose.

“Yes, unfortunately, Vanessa here has had some personal matters that have led her to be irresponsible. The board was discussing just a few days ago to remove her,” Sheila said. “You might as well just talk to me, as any contract you start with her will find its way back to me when she slacks off and ignores it.”

“Oh…” the businessman said. His friendly demeanor toward me changed in an instant, and he was looking at me with hesitation and dislike instead.

I opened my mouth to defend myself, ready and willing to put doubt on all sheila was saying.

Yet, before I could utter one word, Jason appeared at my side.

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“Be careful of that one, Richard,” Jason said, nodding at Sheila. “She has a nasty habit of trying to steal clients. She’ll say whatever she has to convince you.”

Sheila forced a laugh. She was trying for light, but it came out awkward. “You are such a kidder, Alpha Jason. But you shouldn’t say such things. Richard here might believe you.”

Richard looked at Jason. “Are you joking, Alpha Jason?”

“No,” Jason said flatly. “Sheila, how many times did you call my office, trying to win over my family and I, even after I made clear that I was working with Vanessa?”

Sheila allowed her smile to slip a little as she stood up straighter. “I sensed Vanessa’s weakness. I thought you needed better help.”

“Vanessa has not only signed the contract with me, but already our collaboration has starting making profits,” Jason said. “ Despite your attempts at sabotage.”

“Sabotage?” Richard scoffed. With one last look at Sheila, he said, “Excuse me…‘

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