The mont we arrived at Whitmore Industries, everyone seed busier than usual.
Employees moved through the hallways carrying files and tablets while supervisors exchanged hurried discussions near the elevators.
The atmosphere was noticeably heavier than normal.
The pest problem was clearly affecting everyone.
As soon as we stepped out of the elevator on the executive floor, Anna glanced at .
"You see that?"
I followed her gaze toward a group of departnt managers speaking in hushed voices.
"They’re worried."
I nodded.
"And they have every reason to be."
Aunt Veronica said from the side.
The losses had been growing for months.
At first everyone thought it would be temporary.
Now no one was sure anymore.
We continued toward the conference room where Uncle Herbert was already waiting with several executives.
The mont we entered, the conversations stopped.
"Good morning."
"Morning, Director Alicia."
"Good morning, Ma’am Veronica."
After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.
Uncle Herbert wasted no ti getting to the point.
"The pest situation is getting worse."
His voice was calm, but the seriousness behind it was obvious.
"We’ve lost another twelve percent of this month’s projected harvest."
Several people imdiately lowered their heads.
The room beca quiet.
One of the older executives finally spoke.
"If this continues, we may need to reduce the company’s support to so of the smaller farms."
Imdiately, several people frowned.
I was one of them.
"The smaller farms are the backbone of Rosewood."
I looked directly at him.
I’ve only been here for two years, but so far this is one of the things I’ve realized.
"If we cut support now, many of them won’t survive the season."
"And if they don’t survive, neither will our supply chain." I added
The executive sighed.
"I understand that, Director Alicia, but the company isn’t a charity."
Before the discussion could escalate, Uncle Herbert raised his hand.
"Let’s focus on solutions."
Everyone fell silent again.
For a mont, I looked down at the docunts in front of .
Then I made my decision.
"Actually..."
Every gaze turned toward .
"I think this is exactly why we need to reconsider the partnership proposal."
The room instantly beca quiet.
Even quieter than before.
Several executives exchanged looks.
One of them rubbed his forehead.
Another sighed.
Anna, however, looked completely unsurprised.
She had expected to bring it up again.
I stood up and opened the presentation I had prepared.
"Our town has always preferred independence."
"And that has worked well for decades."
I paused.
"But the market is changing."
"We’re no longer facing ordinary challenges."
I pointed toward the figures displayed on the screen.
"The pest attacks are affecting production."
"Our new clothing brand needs greater exposure."
"And our farrs need more support."
I looked around the room.
"A strategic partnership could solve all three problems."
So executives nodded thoughtfully.
Others still looked unconvinced.
One shareholder frowned.
"And what if outsiders start influencing how Rosewood operates?"
A few people murmured in agreent.
I had expected that question.
"We’re not talking about giving away control."
I answered calmly.
"We’re talking about cooperation."
"Whitmore Industries remains Whitmore Industries."
"But there’s no reason we should refuse opportunities that could strengthen both the company and the town."
The room gradually fell into thoughtful silence.
For the first ti, nobody imdiately rejected the idea.
Perhaps because the situation had finally beco serious enough.
Or perhaps because everyone knew we needed sothing to change.
Uncle Herbert leaned back in his chair.
His gaze swept across the room before settling on .
"Prepare a full proposal."
My eyes widened slightly.
The room erupted into surprised whispers.
"Include every possible benefit and every potential risk."
His expression remained calm.
"When the shareholders et next week, we’ll present it properly."
A small smile appeared on my face.
"Understood."
For the first ti since the eting began, I felt hopeful.
Maybe Rosewood wasn’t as closed off to change as everyone believed.
Maybe this was exactly the opportunity we had been waiting for.
The conference ended shortly after, and everyone returned to their respective duties.
"Director Alicia," a familiar voice called from behind.
I turned, and Anna followed my gaze. The mont she saw who it was, she pinched lightly, a teasing warning I understood instantly. I said nothing.
"President Evan," I greeted with a polite smile as he approached.
"Good morning, President Evan," Anna added courteously.
He nodded at her briefly before shifting his attention back to .
"Nice presentation, Director Alicia."
"Thank you," I replied. "I hope I was able to convince the President."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I think your idea is strong," he said calmly. "But that doesn’t an I’m convinced... yet."
Anna tilted her head slightly. "We’re sure you’ll be attending the eting, sir."
"I hope so," he replied, still looking at .
His gaze lingered a mont too long, and I subtly shifted my stance under it.
Then he spoke again.
"When you’re done refining the proposal, bring it directly to . I’d like to go through it myself."
"Yes, sir," I answered.
He nodded once, then turned toward the President’s office.
"Have a good day," he said over his shoulder before walking away.
Only when he was gone did I release the breath I didn’t realize I had been holding.
Anna imdiately turned to , brows raised. "What was that, Alicia? You looked like you were about to faint."
"I’m fine," I said quickly. "Just tired from the conference."
"Mm-hm," she replied, narrowing her eyes. "Sure."
I ignored her tone, though sothing about President Evan always left unsettled.
He was strict, highly reserved, and rarely acknowledged people. Yet ever since I joined Whitemore Industries, he had shown an unusual level of interest in my work—supporting my ideas more than I expected from soone of his position.
Instead of comfort, it made uneasy.
But I pushed the thought aside.
Anna and I continued walking toward my office to finalize the proposal.
Our departnts weren’t the sa—Anna worked in managent while I was in developnt—but we often collaborated closely.
Once inside my office, we sat down and began structuring the proposal properly before scheduling a broader internal review later in the day.
Since President Evan had personally shown interest, we knew we had to be precise.
After all, he was the one who would review it before it ever reached the CEO.
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