Chapter 117
Chapter 117
My eyes were glued to the presentation that was taking place on the stage. Ace and Jeremy presented
very well in sync with one another with Ace adding more flavor and thoughts to Jeremy’s description of
his storyboard. I had no idea if those two practiced for this or not, but it truly looked like they had
rehearsed this more than a handful of times. Either that, or the two of them could pull something like
this off at a whim.
Regardless of the unexpected turn of events, our company managed to pass the first round of the
competition and even receiving a few compliments from some of the committee members. I guess it
was a good idea that Ace split the team up into smaller teams to get different angles and to develop
various storyline and storyboards for this project. As a result of that there were back up plans and back
up storyboards that could be beefed up for the presentation.
Even though everyone including myself was relief that the presentation went and ended well, we
couldn’t simply ignore the fact that Chase Creatives had stolen our original idea and storyboard. The
worst part was that there wasn’t any solid proof for us to take any further action with that. At least, that
was how I viewed things. I bit on my lower lip as Jeremy and Ace walked off the stage as reality came
flooding back to me.
Now that the presentation was over, my attention reverted to focus on the fact that I was the one
responsible for the leak. The result of that was detrimental for the course of this project. Because Ace
and Jeremy had presented another storyboard entirely, the one that was stolen could no longer be
used by our company. Instead, it would be used by Chase Creatives.
I closed my eyes and let all the terrible feelings bubble to the surface. Ace and I worked so hard on
getting the storyline and putting together the storyboard. I really put my sweat and tears into that and
now it was all stolen and gone.
“Let’s get out of here…” Julianna said dispassionately as she stood up from her seat.
The other team members did the same and began walking out. I could feel their intimidating and
accusing stares as they walked past me. After they had gone ahead, I got up from my seat and heaved
a large sigh before exiting the auditorium. The presentation was over but none of this was really over.
The burning question on everyone’s mind right now is probably who was responsible for the leak and
how did it happen. Depending on the circumstances, I realize that this could be considered one of the
worst possible crimes in our industry: corporate spying or espionage.
…
When we all arrived back to the office after a silent and suffocating drive, Ace called for a team meeting
immediately. It didn’t come as a surprise to me. There were matters about Project Alpha’s direction and
changes that probably needed to be discuss. On top of that, there was the issue of the confidential
information leak.
Everyone entered the meeting room, and I was among them. As usual, everyone took their seat at the
meeting table. Ace and Jeremy were the last two to make it into the room. Ace took his usual seat at
the table. Despite all that had taken place, Ace seemed extremely calm as if it did not bother him at all. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
“Well, some interesting things happened today…” Ace said when he sat down.
“Excuse me. Before we start the meeting, there is something that I would like to say,” Julianna spoke
up quite loudly.
“Go ahead,” Ace said invitingly.
“Karina does not belong here in this meeting. Please excuse her from this meeting. Until we can clear
her suspicion for the storyboard leak, I firmly believe that she should not participate in this meeting or
be exposed to anymore confidential information. Please consider my request,” Julianna declared boldly
as she pointed a finger my way.
The way that the other team members looked my way with a look filled with contempt and disgust
made me certain that everyone probably felt the same way. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. Julianna
was bold and straightforward about it, but she was right. I should not be here until all suspicions around
me are cleared.
“I agree. Karina, please leave the meeting for now,” Ace said without hesitation.
“One more thing,” Richard spoke up loudly.
Ace nodded at Richard for him to go on and that was what he did.
“I request for a thorough investigation to get to the bottom about the source of the recent confidential
information leak,” Richard stated sternly.
“Approved. I was planning to do exactly that without your request. This company does have protocols
to deal with these matters and I believe that all of you are aware of that already,” Ace replied calmly
and smoothly.
All eyes were on me as I stood up from my seat. I nodded a little to excuse myself in silence. I could
still feel everyone’s glare burning into my back as I walked out of the room and closed the meeting
room door firmly behind me.
Well, that was a complete disaster, wasn’t it?
Not knowing where to go and what to do, I decided to take a walk to clear my head a little. I knew that
sooner or later, I had to talk to Ace directly about this to clear up all the misunderstandings and to also
owe up to the mistake that I made. After all, intentional or not, I am the one responsible for this mess.
Once again, I was forced to realize that my job and my entire career was at risk. I fully admit that it was
my fault for being careless and that all of this happened because of me; however, for what it’s worth, I
just wanted Ace to know that it wasn’t intentional. I didn’t plan any of this. Most of all, I would never
betray him or the company that I admire so much.
--To be continued…