The Meeting

[Lila]

Lila followed Ethan into the conference room, where a dozen people were already seated around a large table. They all looked up as they entered, and Lila felt their curious and judgmental eyes on her.

She recognized some of them from the company website. There was Ryan Lee, the chief financial officer, a middle-aged man with glasses and a balding head. There was Amanda Chen, the chief marketing officer, a young and attractive woman with long black hair and a confident smile. There was Kevin Jones, the chief technology officer, a nerdy-looking guy with curly brown hair and a friendly expression. And there were several other directors and managers from different departments, whose names Lila didn't know.

But the person who caught Lila's attention the most was the one who sat at the head of the table, opposite Ethan. He was an older man, in his sixties, with silver hair and a distinguished face. He wore a navy blue suit and a red tie, and he had a gold watch on his wrist. He looked like someone who was used to being in charge, someone who commanded respect and authority.

He was Ethan's father, James Carter, the former CEO of Carter Enterprises.

Lila felt a surge of nervousness as she realized that she was about to meet the man who had founded and built the company from scratch, the man who had made it into one of the most successful and influential tech companies in the world.

She wondered what he thought of his son, and what he thought of her.

Ethan walked towards his father and greeted him with a curt nod.

"Good morning, Dad."

James Carter nodded back, but his expression was cold and distant.

"Good morning, Ethan."

He then looked at Lila and raised an eyebrow.

"And who is this?"

Ethan gestured towards Lila and introduced her in a flat tone.

"This is Lila Jones, my new personal assistant."

James Carter studied Lila for a moment, then gave her a faint smile.

"Nice to meet you, Lila. I hope you're enjoying your first day."

He extended his hand for a handshake, and Lila took it politely.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Carter. Thank you for having me."

James Carter nodded and released her hand.

"Please, call me James. And you're welcome. I'm sure you'll do a fine job."

He then turned to Ethan and said in a louder voice.

"Well, shall we begin? We have a lot to discuss today."

He gestured for them to take their seats at the table.

Ethan nodded and led Lila to two empty chairs on his right side.

Lila sat down next to him and took out her notebook and pen from her purse.

She hoped she would be able to keep up with the meeting and take notes of everything that was important.

She also hoped that Ethan would give her some guidance or instructions on what to do or say.

But he didn't.

He ignored her completely and focused on his father and the others.

He didn't even look at her once.

Lila felt hurt and annoyed by his indifference.

She wondered why he had hired her if he didn't need or want her help.

She wondered if he regretted hiring her at all.

She hated him even more.

The meeting started with James Carter giving an overview of the current situation of the company. He spoke with confidence and authority, showing charts and graphs on a projector screen behind him. He explained that the company had achieved record-breaking revenues and profits in the last quarter, thanks to its innovative products and services. He praised the efforts and achievements of each department, making everyone nod and smile in agreement. He also mentioned some of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, such as expanding into new markets, developing new technologies, and competing with rival companies. He said that he was optimistic about the future of Carter Enterprises, and that he trusted his son to lead it to even greater heights.

Lila listened attentively to his speech, taking notes of the key points. She was impressed by his charisma and vision, but she also noticed that he didn't mention anything about his retirement or succession plan. She wondered if he had any intention of handing over the reins to Ethan anytime soon, or if he still wanted to keep control of the company. She also wondered how Ethan felt about that. She glanced at him discreetly, trying to read his expression. He looked calm and composed, but she sensed a hint of tension in his jawline. He didn't seem to share his father's enthusiasm or optimism. He seemed to have something else on his mind.

The meeting continued with each department head giving their own reports on their progress and plans. They all spoke with professionalism and competence, showing their respect for James Carter and their loyalty to the company. They also addressed Ethan occasionally, asking for his feedback or approval. Ethan responded with brief and concise comments, showing his knowledge and authority. He didn't seem to have any problem managing the different aspects of the company, or dealing with the different personalities of the people. He seemed to have everything under control.

Lila admired his intelligence and leadership, but she also noticed that he didn't show any emotion or enthusiasm. He didn't smile or joke with anyone, he didn't praise or criticize anyone, he didn't express any opinion or preference. He just did his job, efficiently and effectively. He seemed to have no personal connection or attachment to anyone or anything. He seemed to be detached and isolated.

The meeting ended with James Carter thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication, and reminding them of their goals and expectations. He then announced that he had a special surprise for them, something that would make them all very happy and proud. He said that he had invited a very special guest to join them for lunch, someone who was very important and influential in the tech industry. Someone who was a friend and a partner of Carter Enterprises.

He then opened the door and invited the guest to come in.

Lila gasped as she saw who it was.

It was Mark Wilson, the CEO of Wilson Technologies, the biggest rival of Carter Enterprises.

He was a tall and handsome man, with blond hair and green eyes. He wore a gray suit and a blue tie, and he had a charming smile on his face. He looked like a movie star, or a politician.

He walked into the room with confidence and grace, greeting everyone with a friendly hello.

He then walked towards James Carter and hugged him warmly.

"James, my old friend. It's so good to see you again."

James Carter hugged him back and smiled broadly.

"Mark, my dear boy. It's always a pleasure to see you."

They then released each other and looked at each other fondly.

They looked like they were best friends, or brothers.

They looked like they were allies, not enemies.

Lila felt a surge of confusion and shock as she witnessed the scene.

She wondered what was going on.

She wondered what this meant for Carter Enterprises.

She wondered what this meant for Ethan.

She glanced at him again, trying to read his reaction.

He looked stunned and furious, but he quickly masked it with a cold and indifferent expression.

He didn't seem to share his father's friendship or fondness for Mark Wilson.

He seemed to hate him with a passion.

Lila felt a pang of sympathy for him.

She wondered if he felt betrayed by his father.

She wondered if he felt threatened by Mark Wilson.

She wondered if he needed her help or support.

She wondered if he would ever ask for it.

She hated him a little less.