Jason, understanding that this was his moment to create a strong first impression, stepped forward, extending a hand with an easy, confident smile. "That’s right, I am. And you’re Ms Samantha, I presume?"
Samantha regarded him for a long moment before accepting his handshake, her grip firm and her gaze unyielding. "Just Samantha. Veronica mentioned you had a certain charm about you." Her voice was as smooth as glass, with an edge that left no room for uncertainty. "I have things to get off my schedule. Fifteen minutes. Why don’t we get started?"
Jason nodded, inwardly understanding a lot from the encounter. So she was someone who was strongarming, according to her grip. But she also had a thing about her age, otherwise she would not have asked him to get him to call her just Samantha. And from the way she was talking, leading the conversation, she might be a control freak.
As she turned, signalling for him to follow, Jason caught a glimpse of the irritated senior Sales Rep shooting him a look of anger. Jason only shrugged in response, subtly amused, before following Samantha down the hall.
The moment of triumph was satisfying. But something told Jason that he was going to meet that man again in the future. It was totally going to happen that he might be one of those people who was a superior who tried to suppress his subordinates.
It was very clear though that the man was ignored by Samantha so clearly there was nothing special about him. Jason followed Samantha and the other two assistants heading somewhere and then when they finally arrived he saw exactly where that was based on the name tag on the table and the pictures and ornaments on the walls.
Just awards, her picture in business attire, her picture with her team... She was a focused businesswoman. Nothing else might matter to her other than business. Jason considered this
Once in her office, Samantha gestured to a seat opposite her desk. Jason took it, keeping his expression neutral yet interested, as her assistants quietly exited, closing the door behind them.
Samantha leaned back, slowly crossing her legs, which Jason could see through the glass table. Her eyes sharpened as she looked at him directly. "Veronica made you sound... impressive," she started, her tone dry, "but I’m curious about something..."
Jason looked at her naturally, saying nothing and letting her continue what she was going to say. Asking her a question like "What are you curious about?" would seem too weak like he was trying to qualify himself. It was better not to overstep or show too much interest. As far as he was concerned he was gracing this company with his presence, not asking for some job.
In his mind, Jason was trying to make it such that she qualified herself. After all, he was sure he could sell anything. Selling was all about convincing someone they needed something after all. How could Jason fail to convince someone of something with the abilities he had?
Therefore the question was not whether he was worthy, but it was more about whether she was worthy of his services.
She paused, and after a moment of silence from both of them, her nose wrinkled along with the folding her hands as she finally asked a question. "What is it that you think you bring to the table, Jason?"
I am the Table... is what Jason would never say right now. That might be the fastest way for him to get thrown out. Well, actually no. It was possible for him to wriggle his way out with some false equivalencies and a bit of deception, but the fact that he had to do that meant that he was on the wrong route. He needed to do something very quickly. And it was possible with his abilities.
Jason met her gaze, holding back the slight smile that played on his lips. "Confidence, intuition, and a unique perspective. I think that’s what Veronica saw in me." He leaned forward, mirroring her posture without folding his arms.
After all, folding his arms on his chest was a sign of rejection in terms of body language. She might just be acting like this as a form of a barrier she was putting up in front of Jason to give him something to overcome in all this time, to make him qualify himself more. It was also because of this, That Jason would try less. "I’ve got ideas that blend insight with results—and that’s exactly what a company like Reno Ventures deserves."
That’s right. He would be arrogant. He would be so self-assured that she would not even know what the hell was wrong with him. And he would sit there and act like he was God’s gift to her, and if she did not accept she would be losing out on the opportunity of the lifetime. Because to him, it was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Samantha’s eyebrow lifted slightly, a hint of amusement breaking through her composed expression. "Veronica’s known for making bold recommendations," she mused. "And I appreciate boldness—when it’s backed by substance. But I don’t take risks without being sure of what I’m getting."
She leaned in even closer, placing her shoulders on the table, her eyes narrowing. Jason took this as a good sign. Her shoulders on the table meant she was at least not too against him anymore. It seemed his confidence had melted her barriers. "So tell me, what exactly are your intentions here, Jason?"
What were his intentions? What a loaded question. Looking deep into her eyes, Jason could tell it was a twofold question, both about the company and about the woman who had made this happen, Veronica. It seemed that she and this lady had a deep connection. Or maybe not... After all, Veronica had said how she did not have friends, and even business friends were more concerned with business than friends.
Interesting. If Jason was weak, he might have gotten frustrated or angered at being insinuated to be some golddigger or something. But Jason was willing to put in all the work. He was willing to be at the riverside with the shovels and then sieves. So technically she was not wrong.
Jason didn’t hesitate. "To make an impact. I’m not here to play it safe. You have the resources, the network, and the vision—I have the drive to bring it all together." His gaze held steady as he spoke, keeping his shoulders above the desk as he continued gesticulating with his arms, his voice unwavering. "If you’re looking for someone willing to push boundaries and bring new life to your ventures, then I’m your man."
Samantha’s smile was slow and thoughtful. She let a long silence linger as if weighing his words. Finally, she leaned back, her eyes gleaming with interest. "I like your confidence," she admitted. "And you’re right—Reno Ventures needs fresh ideas, a new energy."
Jason immediately noticed the tension in her voice as she said that. That was a pain point he could focus on for sure from now on. It seemed she was having business trouble. After all, that was something he could help with, was it not?
Jason kept his gaze steady, understanding that this was only the beginning. There was something almost electric in the air between them, a tension that made his pulse quicken. He knew that this meeting wasn’t just about discussing possibilities; it was a test, a challenge to see if he had what it took to be in her world.
Samantha smiled, gazing at Jason and then with a calculated movement, she unhooked her legs, and then with another movement she shifted the leg, she had crossed over the other, crossing the other over it.
Jason made sure not to look. If he had, he would have been done for. After all, was that not something of an exposure that he paid attention to the wrong things? He couldn’t even hold eye contact with someone he was trying to make his boss? How pathetic.
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She then chucked, possibly because Jason had passed her test. And then she looked around the table, finally picking up a pen, holding it with her hand and handing it over to Jason saying to him, "Sell me this pen."
Jason looked at the pen and then at the lady and then he chuckled. What the hell? What the hell was this?
"Isn’t this too easy?" Jason asked her. She looked at Jason and then said nothing to him, merely holding the pen out. She was serious. Whatever. Anyway, it was time to begin. Jason grabbed the pen and held it, looking at it and admiring it.
It seemed like a special pen, possibly one of those she used to sign important contracts. Interesting. He was going to sell this to her? Well, that would be somewhat simple. Jason put the pen on the table, and then asked her a question, "What do you usually look for in a good pen?"
She smirked, saying, "I look for a good way to write, ease of carrying and use, and long-lasting lifespan."
Jason smiled, placing his shoulders on the table as he grabbed the pen and began playing with it gracefully. "Well then look no further. After all, I have the perfect product that you just need. This pen here not only combines a good price and a long-lasting ink, but it also feels good in your hands, looks amazing professional and writes magnificently."
Samantha looked at him in interest, putting her hands over her mouth as she held back the smile that was threatening to spread over her face. Jason inwardly smirked when he saw this. Hiding the mouth was a sign of holding back the urge to speak. It seemed she was emotionally engaged. That was good for him. After all, selling was all about emotions and pain.
"Imagine how it would feel to smoothly write with this pen? Imagine how much easier your workflow would go while using this pen, how you could smoothly, effectively sign the most profitable deal with this pen. I’m sure you know I don’t need to tell you this, but this one tool is exactly what you need in your business."
Samatha smirked in interest. "Really? Why do you say that?"
Jason leaned forward, looking around the room for a moment, and said secretively, "Honestly, I know just how difficult it is to run a business." He continued, his expression turning sombre, "But I also know that having the right tools at your disposal is something that can and will drive your business forward."
"When your employees use a pen that feels right, they will start to enjoy writing and their productivity will experience a huge boost. If your employees are working at their optimal states, imagine how much more you can achieve. Now, why don’t I get you this pen?" Jason said with a smile.
Samantha now had a grin on her face, shaking her head as she shrugged. "It’s too fancy for me."
Jason then chuckled, saying, "Suits look fancy to paupers, but they are the standard to the wealthy. This is what it’s all about. Sometimes the way we present ourselves is how others perceive us to be. When your competitor or another business person sees you signing a contract with this pen, they will immediately know you are a high calibre person, and that will immediately boost your sales."
Samantha smiled, and just before she could speak, Jason spoke first, saying, "Before you change your mind. Let me make the deal sweeter for you. If you buy this pen right now, you will also get 3 free massages…" and as he said that he took a note page from the table, writing with the pen in his best handwriting, "From yours truly. These are redeemable at any time! Buy one pen, and get instant relief from the pains of work-life any time you wish."
After that, he took the pen and the paper and put them on the table in front of her, saying, "Why even think about it? It’s a no-brainer. If you’re looking to enhance your writing experience, there’s no reason to even wait. Whether it’s for the business growth, or the massage that will ease your tension, this one purchase will change your life."
After that Jason was silent, and then Samantha looked at him and then at the items on the table, taking them and putting them in her purse where she kept them. Samantha stood, signalling the end of the meeting. "You’ll hear from us soon," she said, her voice soft but firm. "We’re not done here, Jason."
He gave a nod, a confident smile on his lips as he rose to leave. "I look forward to it."
"I look forward to it too," Samantha said, narrowing her eyes.
As he walked out of her office, he felt the weight of her gaze following him. This was exactly where he wanted to be—on the brink of something powerful, something transformative. The feeling of victory was heavy, but he kept his stride steady, his expression calm.
Outside, the world seemed brighter, sharper. He inhaled deeply, feeling the surge of excitement and purpose that came with his new path. This was only the beginning. He was ready for whatever came next, no matter how high the stakes.