Chapter 269
Chapter 269:
Jaylene’s hands quivered ever so slightly. Gabriela’s helpless act and refusal to fight back had convinced Jaylene she’d lost Wesley’s protection—but it was all a clever deception. Damn it, that cunning bitch!
Bryn, startled, quickly interjected, “Billy, you must be mistaken. Jaylene’s tongue may be sharp, but her heart is gentle. Wouldn’t it be wiser to look deeper into the truth before passing judgment p>
Billy cast a glance at Bryn. “The technical department has already investigated. The evidence is solid p>
At the stern set of Billy’s jaw, Bryn realized he had spoken out of turn. He quickly bowed his head, swallowing back further protest.
Jaylene, however, refused to yield so easily. Her teeth clenched, voice strained. “Billy, you can’t cast me aside before the billion-dollar deal is signed. If I can prove I outperform Gabriela, shouldn’t I be granted another chance p>
Billy hesitated, then gave a slow nod. “Mr. Garner will be here this afternoon. You’ll attend the meeting as well p>
After leaving the sales department, Billy went straight to Wesley to report the matter.
Wesley arched a brow, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You allowed Jaylene into the meeting p>
A chill slid down Billy’s spine under his boss’s gaze, but his face remained steady. “Jaylene’s record in sales is excellent. To dismiss her outright over her conflict with Ms. Haynes might draw unnecessary criticism toward Ms. Haynes.” He believed it was for Gabriela’s benefit and that Wesley would have no choice but to relent.
уo𝘂𝗋 dai𝗅𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝗌𝖾 𝘰𝘧 ոо𝘷𝗲ls о𝗻.с𝗼𝗆
“So,” Wesley drawled, a faint, incredulous smile tugging at his lips, “you took it upon yourself to grant her a fair competition with Gabriela p>
Wesley let out a snort. Was he growing too indulgent? Even his assistant had started to make such calls on his own.
Billy’s composure cracked slightly. “Mr. Moss, did I misstep p>
“Forget it.” Wesley flicked his hand dismissively. “Let’s see if Jaylene can secure this billion-dollar deal p>
That afternoon, Mason arrived on schedule with his secretary in tow. Nina’s entire sales team was present at the meeting—along with Jaylene. To Gabriela’s surprise, the six-member think tank also filed in. The meeting promised to be far grander than anyone expected.
Wesley opened the meeting but kept his remarks brief, quickly handing the floor to Mason.
Mason powered on his laptop, his voice steady as he unfolded the story of Alphacom Electronics. The company’s roots stretched back over half a century. It had expanded beyond electronics into schools, hospitals, food, and clothing, becoming a lifeline for more than thirty thousand employees. Nearly half of those workers came from families who had served Alphacom for three generations. For them, the company wasn’t just an employer; it was their very survival.
Yet beneath its venerable history lay a fatal flaw. Alphacom’s system was old, stagnant, unable to sustain growth. It kept people from starving, but only just. Now, the corporation was tottering on the brink. Without drastic reform, the once-mighty enterprise would inevitably collapse.
The billion-dollar fund earmarked for Alphacom wasn’t a lifeline so much as a bandage. It couldn’t even clear the debts, let alone cover the costs of upgrading machinery, shoring up pensions, and providing workers’ social security. Any partner seeking collaboration would have to find a way to revive Alphacom without relying on that billion.
As Mason’s words sank in, Jaylene felt her confidence falter. She had always thrived on straightforward deals: money in exchange for goods. But this was different—a deal entangled with morality, social responsibility, and the livelihoods of tens of thousands.
According to Mason, anyone wishing to take on the billion-dollar project with Alphacom Electronics would first have to carve out a path capable of generating that billion. The audacity of it! Shameless!
Jaylene bit back a curse, her eyes flashing. Still, this was a billion-dollar project.
Profitable or not, that wasn’t her concern; it was Apex Group’s burden to bear. If she could clinch this deal, it would be the crown jewel of her career—a triumph she could flaunt for the rest of her life, no matter where she ended up. Even as Mason spoke, Jaylene’s mind was already racing, shaping the beginnings of a plan.
Wesley and the think tank members sat unruffled, as if they had anticipated Mason’s gambit all along.
When Mason finally concluded, he turned directly to Gabriela, his expression earnest. “Gabriela, now that you understand our predicament, do you still wish to move forward with us p>