Chapter 248: proposal
The moment we arrived at Whitmore Industries, everyone seemed busier than usual.
Employees moved through the hallways carrying files and tablets while supervisors exchanged hurried discussions near the elevators.
The atmosphere was noticeably heavier than normal.
The pest problem was clearly affecting everyone.
As soon as we stepped out of the elevator on the executive floor, Anna glanced at me.
"You see that?"
I followed her gaze toward a group of department managers speaking in hushed voices.
"They’re worried."
I nodded.
"And they have every reason to be."
Aunt Veronica said from the side.
The losses had been growing for months.
At first everyone thought it would be temporary.
Now no one was sure anymore.
We continued toward the conference room where Uncle Herbert was already waiting with several executives.
The moment we entered, the conversations stopped.
"Good morning."
"Morning, Director Alicia."
"Good morning, Ma’am Veronica."
After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.
Uncle Herbert wasted no time getting to the point.
"The pest situation is getting worse."
His voice was calm, but the seriousness behind it was obvious.
"We’ve lost another twelve percent of this month’s projected harvest."
Several people immediately lowered their heads.
The room became quiet.
One of the older executives finally spoke.
"If this continues, we may need to reduce the company’s support to some of the smaller farms."
Immediately, several people frowned.
I was one of them.
"The smaller farms are the backbone of Rosewood."
I looked directly at him.
I’ve only been here for two years, but so far this is one of the things I’ve realized.
"If we cut support now, many of them won’t survive the season."
"And if they don’t survive, neither will our supply chain." I added
The executive sighed.
"I understand that, Director Alicia, but the company isn’t a charity."
Before the discussion could escalate, Uncle Herbert raised his hand.
"Let’s focus on solutions."
Everyone fell silent again.
For a moment, I looked down at the documents in front of me.
Then I made my decision.
"Actually..."
Every gaze turned toward me.
"I think this is exactly why we need to reconsider the partnership proposal."
The room instantly became quiet.
Even quieter than before.
Several executives exchanged looks.
One of them rubbed his forehead.
Another sighed.
Anna, however, looked completely unsurprised.
She had expected me to bring it up again.
I stood up and opened the presentation I had prepared.
"Our town has always preferred independence."
"And that has worked well for decades."
I paused.
"But the market is changing."
"We’re no longer facing ordinary challenges."
I pointed toward the figures displayed on the screen.
"The pest attacks are affecting production."
"Our new clothing brand needs greater exposure."
"And our farmers need more support."
I looked around the room.
"A strategic partnership could solve all three problems."
Some executives nodded thoughtfully.
Others still looked unconvinced.
One shareholder frowned.
"And what if outsiders start influencing how Rosewood operates?"
A few people murmured in agreement.
I had expected that question.
"We’re not talking about giving away control."
I answered calmly.
"We’re talking about cooperation."
"Whitmore Industries remains Whitmore Industries."
"But there’s no reason we should refuse opportunities that could strengthen both the company and the town."
The room gradually fell into thoughtful silence.
For the first time, nobody immediately rejected the idea.
Perhaps because the situation had finally become serious enough.
Or perhaps because everyone knew we needed something to change.
Uncle Herbert leaned back in his chair.
His gaze swept across the room before settling on me.
"Prepare a full proposal."
My eyes widened slightly.
The room erupted into surprised whispers.
"Include every possible benefit and every potential risk."
His expression remained calm.
"When the shareholders meet next week, we’ll present it properly."
A small smile appeared on my face.
"Understood."
For the first time since the meeting began, I felt hopeful.
Maybe Rosewood wasn’t as closed off to change as everyone believed.
Maybe this was exactly the opportunity we had been waiting for.
The conference ended shortly after, and everyone returned to their respective duties.
"Director Alicia," a familiar voice called from behind.
I turned, and Anna followed my gaze. The moment she saw who it was, she pinched me lightly, a teasing warning I understood instantly. I said nothing.
"President Evan," I greeted with a polite smile as he approached.
"Good morning, President Evan," Anna added courteously.
He nodded at her briefly before shifting his attention back to me.
"Nice presentation, Director Alicia."
"Thank you," I replied. "I hope I was able to convince the President."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I think your idea is strong," he said calmly. "But that doesn’t mean I’m convinced... yet."
Anna tilted her head slightly. "We’re sure you’ll be attending the meeting, sir."
"I hope so," he replied, still looking at me.
His gaze lingered a moment too long, and I subtly shifted my stance under it.
Then he spoke again.
"When you’re done refining the proposal, bring it directly to me. I’d like to go through it myself."
"Yes, sir," I answered.
He nodded once, then turned toward the President’s office.
"Have a good day," he said over his shoulder before walking away.
Only when he was gone did I release the breath I didn’t realize I had been holding.
Anna immediately turned to me, brows raised. "What was that, Alicia? You looked like you were about to faint."
"I’m fine," I said quickly. "Just tired from the conference."
"Mm-hm," she replied, narrowing her eyes. "Sure."
I ignored her tone, though something about President Evan always left me unsettled.
He was strict, highly reserved, and rarely acknowledged people. Yet ever since I joined Whitemore Industries, he had shown an unusual level of interest in my work—supporting my ideas more than I expected from someone of his position.
Instead of comfort, it made me uneasy.
But I pushed the thought aside.
Anna and I continued walking toward my office to finalize the proposal.
Our departments weren’t the same—Anna worked in management while I was in development—but we often collaborated closely.
Once inside my office, we sat down and began structuring the proposal properly before scheduling a broader internal review later in the day.
Since President Evan had personally shown interest, we knew we had to be precise.
After all, he was the one who would review it before it ever reached the CEO.
