Chapter 3
Alethrisha POV
I was on my way to a conference meeting concerning the distribution of our goods in the new branch in Europe, being driven by my secretary, Mike.
"How long does the meeting usually last?" I asked.
"One hour, young miss," he replied.
"Make it forty minutes," I said, eyes forward. Efficiency first, always.
We arrived at the venue. I stepped out, heels clicking softly on the marble floor, and walked into the conference room. The meeting began promptly. They discussed minor logistical issues, distribution challenges, and timelines but I wasn't satisfied with the surface.
"How can we ensure the safety and promptness of the goods' arrival without incident?" I interrupted, my voice precise and firm. All eyes turned to me, searching for answers, but none came.
Then a young man rose from his seat. Confident, calm, and clearly unshaken by my direct approach. "If I may, here's a plan that addresses every concern you mentioned," he began, his voice steady but warm.
I didn't notice his appearance at first his presence wasn't about looks but about the way he carried himself amidst the flurry of board members, competitors, and industry veterans. It was a rare calm in the middle of chaos.
As he outlined his plan, I noticed the small, deliberate gestures the way he used his hands to emphasize a point, the slight pause before each critical detail, the subtle acknowledgment of the room's concerns. It wasn't arrogance; it was authority rooted in competence.
Once he finished, I asked pointedly, "And what safeguards have you considered if unexpected delays occur during transit?"
He leaned back slightly, almost casually, but his eyes remained locked on mine. "I anticipated such scenarios," he said. "Seth Arclay Trade and Logistics has protocols for every stage of transit, ensuring minimal risk and maintaining efficiency."
"And you're confident this will meet our standards across all European branches?" I pressed.
He nodded, his small smile steady and sincere. "Absolutely, Miss Reinhafer. I guarantee it. Your standards are high and I respect that. We will meet them."
I noted his name this time. "Your name again?"
"Williams Alexander Seth," he replied, with a calm authority that made even his introduction carry weight.
Something in his calm assurance stirred an unexpected flicker of respect and something else within me. It wasn't just that he solved the problem. It was how he did it without trying to impress me, without bending under the weight of my title.
I made my decision. "I will have Seth Arclay Trade and Logistics handle our European distribution. Competence and integrity matter more than connections here."
His subtle nod was acknowledgment enough, but the faint smile that lingered in his eyes… it stayed with me long after the meeting ended.