FULL NOVELXO Chapter Dad By Oma 8
Chapter 8 Presenting Before My CEO
Clairessa's POV
The pressure at Storm Innovations was starting to get to me. After three months of juggling office projects and working on my app, today was the big day—presentation day. The best app would be shortlisted. I leaned back in my chair, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
Since I found out Gabriel was Adrian's father, we hadn't crossed paths. He was the CEO, so the likelihood of me bumping into him in the elevator was next to none. Throughout the previous meeting we had, Gabriel pretended not to know me. And with the presentation coming up in thirty minutes, my nerves were all over the place.
The thought of finally seeing Gabriel again after all these months-where he had haunted my dreams- made me feel even more nervous. But I had to focus on nailing my presentation. The Hart app, which I had been developing since my second year in college, meant everything to me. I had put in so much time and hard work into seeing it come to life. It had to be shortlisted.
I was busy organizing the files on my desk when a knock interrupted me.
"Come in," I called out.
My office door pushed open and I looked up, shocked to see Adrian standing in the doorway. Just seeing him sparked my anger.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice rising.
“I had to see you. You've been ignoring my calls and texts. It's been months, and I'm desperate,” Adrian said, stepping closer.
Chapter 8: Presenting Before My CEO
"I see," I replied sarcastically, standing up. "In case you didn't get the message, we're done. Over."
out."
"Claire, don't say that," he pleaded, moving toward my desk. "I know I hurt you, but please, just hear me “Hurt me?” I repeated, the pain evident in my voice. "You didn't just hurt me—you destroyed everything.”
"I know, but you need to understand-it was never my intention. I was weak, and I gave in to my masculine desires,” he said, his voice filled with regret.
“Are you serious?" I snapped, disbelief in my tone. "You cheated with someone else, and now you call it 'giving in to your desires"? How shameless."
“Claire, I'm not shameless," Adrian said, emotion crossing his face. "I tried my best to stay faithful, but you said we should wait until marriage, and it became harder as the days turned into months.”
“So, this is my fault?" I asked, my disbelief growing.
"No, that's not what I'm saying," he replied quickly.
"Then what are you saying?" I shot back.
"I'm saying this past year and a half has been tough. Having you close and not being able to touch you- it's been difficult. I need you to understand," Adrian said, his voice soft.
"Wow, Adrian,” I scoffed, shaking my head. "You're really trying to blame your lack of self-control on me." Chapter 8: Presenting Before My CEO
“That's not what I'm trying to do,” he said softly, standing directly in front of my desk now.
"The moment you knew you couldn't keep your promise, why didn't you come to me?”
"I wanted to, but I was scared you'd leave me," he admitted.
"Let's pretend I believe that," I said, leaning against my desk. "How many times did you cheat on me?"
“I... just once,” he stammered, his eyes darting away.
“Adrian, if you want me back, you need to be honest. How many times?"
He sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “A couple of times.....”
I turned away, feeling the truth hit me. “A couple? How many is that—five, ten? Give me a number!” I demanded, my anger flaring up.
72%
“Fewer than five,” he mumbled. “But none of them meant anything to me. You're the only one I care about. Please, give me another chance."
"Get out!" I shouted, unable to contain my rage. "Get out of my office!"
"Don't be like this. I'm sorry. I'll do anything to fix this," he begged, reaching for my arm. I pulled away, disgusted.
"I can't deal with this right now," I muttered, feeling my heart break all over again. While I was dreaming of a picture perfect future, he was betraying me with other women.
"Let me fix this," he pleaded. "I want you back."
“I have an app showcase meeting. I can't deal with this right now. You need to leave,” I said, trying to keep myself together.
"Let me talk to my dad for you," Adrian offered, his eyes locked on mine. For the first time, I felt nothing but coldness toward him. "I can convince him to fund your app."
“You think this is about money?” I snapped. “No, I don't want his pity. I'll earn my funding through my own hard work."
“Please, let me help,” he said, taking a step back. But his steps were slow, hesitant as he turned away.
"If there's any hope of us getting back together, you won't mention us to your father. I want to succeed on my own, not through favoritism. Is that clear?" I called after him.
“Alright,” Adrian said, looking back at me, humbled. "You have my word. I won't tell my dad. He doesn't even know about you working here."
"Good. Let's keep it that way. Now leave," I said firmly. As the door closed behind him, the pain hit me again. Adrian's confession confirmed everything Nicole had said-he was a serial cheater. Part of me still loved him, and I hated myself for it. I wiped away a tear and gathered the files I needed for the presentation. The boardroom was quiet, except for the inaudible hum of the projector. The other candidates were done presenting before the board and I was the only one left. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, trying to push aside my nerves. Gabriel's eyes were fixed on me, and it was hard to concentrate under the intensity of his stern gaze.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” I began, my voice a little shaky, as I tried to sound confident. “Today, I'm excited to present the Hart app, designed to revolutionize how businesses handle data."
I clicked the remote, and the first slide appeared, filled with charts and data.
"Hart app is more than just a data tool. It's an intelligent assistant that helps businesses manage and understand their data more effectively. It doesn't just organize information; it provides real-time insights.”
I could feel Gabriel's eyes watching my every move, making my heart race even faster. I did my best to stay composed, moving to the next slide and highlighting the key features of the app.
“With the Hart app, businesses can get predictive analytics, and track data trends. The app is designed to help companies make smarter, quicker decisions.”
When I finished, the room erupted in applause. I glanced at Gabriel, who remained seated, his expression. emotionless. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but his eyes stayed locked on me, making my pulse race
ever more.
“Thank you, everyone,” Gabriel said, standing from his seat. “I'll let Sandy know which candidates we'll be moving forward with." His smirk reminded me of that night at the club-the night we kissed.
As he walked away, I exhaled deeply, unsure of what would happen next. Had I done enough? Would Gabriel even consider my app fairly after what happened between us at the club? His distant demeanor made it seem like he wanted nothing to do with me. soon."
Sandy stepped forward, smiling. "Thank you all for your presentations. I'll email you Mr. Storm's decision
As the other candidates left, I stayed behind, still feeling uneasy about what Gabriel's decision was going to be. Even with the applause and Sandy's reassurance, I couldn't shake the anxiety. Gabriel's decision would impact my future greatly, and I couldn't take any chances. I had made up my mind-finally, I was going to confront Gabriel Storm.