Chapter 88

As he straightened his tie and pushed open the heavy conference room doors, Jack stated sharply, "Let's keep this brief." I followed, scanning the room. Every face around the polished oak table was filled with expectation, and the air buzzed with tension. The striking woman at the head of the table oozed confidence and calm. Her piercing glance suggested intelligence and control, while her crisp jacket and dainty gold jewelry spoke of class.

Jack pointed to Isabella Cortez and said, "Ethan, meet Isabella Cortez. She's been advising us on creative approaches to our upcoming market growth."

Isabella smiled boldly and walked forward, offering a hand. "Ethan Monroe," she said easily. "You've been talked about a lot. Keeping Monroe Enterprises at the forefront of the industry has been made possible in large part by your guidance."

As I shook her hand, I answered, "Flattery works wonders." Her grip was firm, her attitude unyielding. "However, results are more important to me than reputation."

Without missing a beat, she said, "Then we'll get along just fine." There was a natural sweetness in her voice, but it still commanded respect.

Jack motioned to the table. "Shall we take a seat? Isabella's made a presentation on international logistics chain optimization. It's ambitious, but I think her strategy will resonate with you."

Curiosity aroused, I took my seat. Without wasting any time, Isabella launched into her pitch with the ease and skill that only comes from experience. She gestured to key facts on the big screen with purposeful motions.

With a level but conversational tone, Isabella explained, "Our current logistics depend heavily on outdated practices, which create bottlenecks. We can predict changes in demand and improve resource allocation by incorporating AI-driven prediction models. This isn't just theory; I've introduced similar systems at other companies, reducing delays by 35% and increasing profit margins by almost 20%."

I leaned back in my chair and noted, "Ambitious indeed. What kind of implementation plan are we looking at?"

She responded without hesitation, "The initial rollout will take six months. Full integration in twelve."

"And how much does it cost?"

"An investment," she said, smiling slightly. "But one that pays for itself in less than 18 months. The packet in front of you contains a thorough breakdown of costs and anticipated ROI."

I flipped through the sleek papers. Charts, predictions, and backup plans were all carefully laid out. It was hard not to admire the care.

Jack's voice broke the quiet. "What do you think, Ethan?"

I looked up at Isabella and said, "It's solid. If these numbers are accurate, it could completely change the way we handle business."

With firmness, Isabella said, "The numbers hold. And to ensure they do, I'll personally oversee the execution."

Jack gave a nod of approval. "Then it's settled. Isabella, you and Ethan will work closely together to launch this project."

"I'm looking forward to it," she murmured, her gaze meeting mine with an intensity that was equal parts invitation and dare.

The formalities ended the meeting, but Isabella stayed behind while the rest filed out.

She turned to face me and said, "One more thing. We need to be in agreement if we're going to pull this off. I'd like to set up a time to go over the basics. Your office or mine?"

"Mine," I answered. "Nine a.m. tomorrow."

She smiled, her confidence unshakable. "Perfect," she said before leaving with the same easy assurance she'd displayed in the room.

An hour later, Emily arrived, her cheeks flushed as if she had hurried here, and her hair slightly untidy. I didn't ask why, but I couldn't help but notice Jack's faint grin as he passed her in the hallway.

Emily greeted me with a "Good morning" and put her luggage on the chair next to my desk.

After checking my watch, I revised, "Afternoon. Hasty morning?"

She met my eyes, half defensive, half remorseful. "It held up. What's this I hear about a new business associate?"

"Isabella Cortez," I answered. "She's leading a new logistics project. Good ideas, well-executed. Over the coming months, we'll be working closely together."

Emily's mouth made a thin line. "That sounds interesting."

"It is," I said, keeping my tone calm. "She's good. When you meet her, you'll see."

Emily stayed silent, but it was impossible to ignore the tension in her shoulders.

Later that night, my phone buzzed. Victor's name flashed on the screen-a call I didn't want to take after an already tough day.

"Victor," I answered brusquely.

His voice, deep and steady, came through. "Ethan. We've got a problem."

"What sort of issue?" I asked, already bracing myself.

"The FBI," Victor said simply. "A cargo was caught by them. Cost me millions."

I squeezed the bridge of my nose, closed my eyes. "How did this happen?"

Victor explained that someone had tipped them off. "It wasn't random, Ethan. This is determined. Someone's trying to burn us from the inside."

"Do you have any leads?" I asked, my mind already running.

"Not yet," he answered. "But continue with caution. Watch your circle. People aren't always who they look to be."

Before I could reply, the line went dead. His warning remained in my chest as I set the phone down. The office felt cooler, the shadows longer.

Victor was right. The stakes were growing, and the game was changing. Everything could fall apart if I wasn't careful.