When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 66: Lily’s other side

Chapter 66: Lily’s other side

Victoria Chen had earned her reputation for her sharp mind and tough questions over her decade at Lily Oceanic Industries. She had started as a junior analyst, working her way up to Branch CEO of their regional office.

Her dedication and keen insight had earned her respect, but they had also given her little patience for small talk. She valued efficiency and clarity, traits that made her a formidable figure within the company.

Despite her years of service, she had never met the top CEO or the chairman. All communications with upper management filtered through their secretary, and that frustrated her.

She longed to connect with the leaders who made the critical decisions shaping their company. It felt like she was a small piece of a much larger puzzle.

Victoria had always dreamed of meeting the top executives. But those individuals seemed to exist in another world, far from her reach.

The company’s branches were scattered across the globe, and the higher-ups rarely came to her region. She often wondered how they operated and if they were even aware of the hard work happening at the branch level.

The night before, her heart raced when she received a message from the CEO’s secretary. It informed her that she would finally meet the top CEO in person. Anticipation built inside her, making her feel as if she could finally grasp a dream that had eluded her for so long.

The day of the meeting arrived, and Victoria prepared meticulously. She chose a tailored navy blue suit that exuded professionalism and confidence. Her hair was styled into a sleek bun, and she wore minimal makeup for a polished look.

As she sat in a private room of an upscale restaurant, she tried to calm her nerves. This was her chance to make an impression.

When the door opened, Lily stepped in. Victoria’s breath caught in her throat. Lily looked commanding, dressed in a sharp black suit that highlighted her tall figure.

Her presence was intimidating, like someone who had grown accustomed to being at the top. The aura she radiated made it clear she was not easily accessible.

If Zinnia were to see this side of Lily, she would be shocked. The playful, easygoing friend she knew seemed worlds away from the powerful woman standing before Victoria now. Zinnia had never seen Lily in a formal business setting, and the contrast would be striking.

Victoria stood up respectfully as Lily approached. She hadn’t expected to meet such a young woman at the helm of their company. The secrecy surrounding the company’s top executives had made them almost mythical figures in her mind.

"Please, have a seat," Lily said as she took her own seat, her expression unreadable.

Victoria sat down, trying to match Lily’s composed demeanor. "Thank you for meeting with me."

Lily nodded, her eyes focused and serious. She had learned from her father that confidence was key in business. He had always told her to stand tall and never let others see her as an easy target.

"You need to show them you are capable and strong," her father had said. Those words echoed in her mind as she prepared to discuss company operations.

Victoria took a deep breath and began her report. "Lily Oceanic Industries has expanded its cargo operations significantly this year. Our revenue has increased by twenty percent due to our efficient shipping routes and strong partnerships."

She detailed their recent initiatives, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As she spoke, Lily remained calm, her face a mask of professionalism. Victoria tried to gauge her reaction, but Lily’s expression was hard to read. Just when she thought she had impressed her CEO, she mentioned a recent meeting with Lopez Digital Studios.

"Yesterday, we met with Zinnia Lopez, their new Deputy CEO," Victoria said, watching for any sign of interest.

Lily’s demeanor changed in an instant. "Wait, you had a meeting with Zinnia Lopez?" she asked, her voice sharp.

"Yes," Victoria replied, feeling a swell of pride. "I think it went well. We discussed potential collaborations, and I believe we could work together effectively."

She hoped Lily would acknowledge her hard work. But instead of praise, Lily’s expression shifted to one of frustration.

"You don’t need to worry about anything else. Just give them the contract. They are free to use our sea vessels. Their movie’s success will serve as our advertisement."

Victoria blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected this directive. "But... we negotiated terms yesterday. Why are we giving them access for free?"

Lily leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing. "Because it makes sense for us. The exposure will benefit our company more than the profits we would gain from that contract. Finalize it and give it to them today. Let them use our sea vessels for their movie scenes."

Victoria sat back, trying to wrap her mind around Lily’s reasoning. It felt counterintuitive to just hand over rights without asking for something in return. Their company had always been about smart negotiations, strict regulations, and benefits.

"Are you sure?" Victoria asked, still trying to understand. "After the negotiations we had yesterday, it seems a waste."

Lily waved her hand dismissively. "No need for anything complicated. They’ll make us look good. That’s what matters."

Confusion washed over Victoria. Why would their CEO be willing to bypass what had always been their strategy? It was the opposite of what she had learned throughout her career. The shift in dynamics left her feeling unsettled.

"Okay, I’ll get the contract ready," Victoria said, still processing Lily’s reaction. She admired the confidence and poise that Lily exuded but couldn’t help but feel a tinge of anxiety.

As the meeting concluded, Victoria couldn’t shake the feeling that she had more to learn about her new CEO. What had seemed like a straightforward business meeting had turned into a complex interplay of power dynamics.

She left the upscale restaurant, her mind racing with questions. The drive back to the office felt longer than usual, her thoughts consumed with Lily’s surprising directive.

Could their CEO really be willing to sacrifice profit for exposure? It seemed so unlike the woman she had just met.