Chapter 324
Chapter 324:
Gabriela was unaware that Bradly had carried her architectural model to the club, where he displayed it with unmistakable pride. This unexpected showcase had quietly elevated her reputation within the exclusive circle.
She headed to Haynes Group, the signed contract clutched firmly in her hand. Kaleb studied the document carefully, his expression shifting into something more complex with each passing moment.
His prolonged silence stirred unease within Gabriela’s chest. “Uncle Kaleb, did you find something problematic with the contract p>
“Nothing’s wrong at all.” Kaleb’s response came with a rare smile breaking across his typically stern features. “I’m simply puzzled by Bradly’s willingness to accept such generous profit margins for our company p>
After all, mere participation in this project guaranteed substantial returns with minimal risk exposure. Countless major corporations would have eagerly signed agreements with him at drastically reduced margins. So what had compelled him to choose the Haynes Group?
Gabriela’s smile carried a hint of mischief. “I used his weakness to force his compliance with our terms p>
When Gabriela had entered that contract negotiation, she had mentally prepared herself for Bradly’s inevitable attempts to slash their profits by three percentage points. However, the instant his eyes fell upon her model, they blazed with the fervor of a treasure hunter discovering gold. With such a prize dangling before him, he would have agreed to virtually anything.
Kaleb’s disapproval emerged after hearing her explanation. “Even with your confidence in securing this project, you should have offered him some concessions p>
Gabriela shook her head with quiet determination. “This represents my first project after joining the company. If I had settled for minimal profits, those executives would never grant me their respect. As for Bradly, I’ll discover a way to make amends p>
He had completely fallen for her craftsmanship, so she could create another model for him.
Kaleb nodded with newfound understanding, his smile radiating relief. “Gabriela, you are very capable. Like mother, like daughter p>
𝘜p𝖽𝘢𝘁𝘦s e𝘷𝖾𝗿у 𝘄е𝖾𝗸 o𝗻
The mention of her mother, who had departed this world far too young, sent a familiar weight settling over Gabriela’s heart.
Without warning, the secretary knocked and stepped inside. “Miss Haynes, Trenton and the other executives learned of your arrival and are demanding an immediate meeting p>
Kaleb’s brow furrowed deeply. “Why do they want a meeting p>
The secretary spoke in a hushed tone. “They believe that after spending a month in hiding at home, Miss Haynes owes everyone a proper explanation now that she has finally appeared p>
Kaleb’s anger flared instantly. “Absolutely ridiculous! The agreed three-month period hasn’t even concluded yet p>
The secretary kept her gaze fixed downward, not daring to utter another word.
Gabriela placed a calming hand on his arm. “Uncle Kaleb, don’t let anger consume you. They want an explanation? Fine. I’ll give them exactly what they asked for p>
She stood ready to confront the executives loyal to Marie.
The hastily arranged meeting convened within minutes. Gabriela claimed her position at the table’s head, her gaze steady and unreadable. She directed her attention toward Cynthia Schmidt, the PR department head, speaking with measured politeness. “Ms. Schmidt, your makeup requires immediate attention. The PR department serves as our company’s public face, yet your collar sits disheveled, and your lipstick appears far too aggressive p>
Gabriela paused deliberately, touching the corner of her own mouth. “Additionally, your lip line has gone astray here p>
Cynthia, approximately thirty years old, flushed crimson with mortification at the public critique and scrambled to repair her appearance.
Gabriela proceeded to identify several other individuals, requesting they correct their professional presentation.
“Our company specializes in wedding planning services. If we cannot maintain our own polished image, how can we expect clients to entrust us with their most precious celebrations p>
Those singled out hurriedly adjusted their collars and straightened their sleeves. Through these calculated actions, Gabriela projected an aura of absolute command, ensuring no one would dare dismiss her authority again.
Trenton’s sneer cut through the tension. “Miss Haynes, you’ve spent a month cowering at home, and while you’ve shown no improvement in other areas, your arrogance has certainly flourished p>
The Human Resources Department head joined the attack. “Miss Haynes, this meeting wasn’t called to discuss cosmetics and clothing. Stop deflecting our concerns and focus on how you plan to justify your behavior p>