2 A new competitor

After gathering her bag from the cafe she walked over to one of the tall buildings at the crossroad. As she walked into the lobby, the receptionist greeted her, she smiled and went ahead. As she entered the lift, the guard automatically pressed on the button for the 17th floor. It was the highest floor, the one with her office.

After entering into the hallway she was greeted by the staff as she smiled and headed straight to her cabin. There was a big meeting scheduled in a week for a huge investment from a foreign company called Watson Brothers and there was no way she could lose this deal. She called her assitant Mr. John Provost

"John I asked for the latest updates on the presentation for Watson Brothers investment, where are they ? "

"They will be on your desk by 6 PM today after a few minor changes "

"Get it done fast we can not afford any mistake now" She replied.

Grace then settled on her desk and once again resumed going through her mails.

A few minutes passed and she was absorbed in her work when her phone rang.

"Miss Grace, there is something urgent you need to know about"

"The Newage corporation has also sent their quote for the deal, if they get this deal then they will become the number one company defeating ours.... and it will be difficult for us to recover. "

She took a deep breath and spoke "We don't need to worry, we are more professional and have better resources and have earned a good reputation lately, it will be a good competition but we won't let them win. This deal is ours. "

"I have full faith in you, our CEO, Miss Grace. "

Grace had been appointed the CEO only a month back after the voluntary retirement of Mr. Stenson. Although she was new to this post but she had been a loyal employee since the beginning and climbed her way to the top with her diligence and hard work. She was one of the most respected women in the industry, known for the calm and if she wants it then she will get it attitude. She always played fair but strong.

As John delivered the presentation updates for the deal she asked him to fetch details about the newage corporation's quote.

...

As he was about to leave he said "Ma'am everyone has left you should also take some rest now we can continue tomorrow. "

"I need to complete signing some documents ask Stephen as you leave to fetch my gym bag from my place "

He froze for a minute then he nodded his head and continued. It surprised him how she always worked hard be it in the office then at the gym, this woman sure was not made for defeat. Her ability to stretch her limits and work hard seemed to inspire everyone that knew her. She was so different from other women, Not only did she had the courage to fight again the male dominated societial strereotypes but she also had a light in her eyes that was a result of her of perseverance.

He asked her driver Stephen to get her bag as she finished her work.

Just as Stephen returned to the parking lot Grace exited the building. "Good evening miss".

" Good evening come on let's go"

As she sat in the back seat of her sedan, she let go of all the thoughts about work. Stephen understood she was tired from a busy day today, he had seen her work hard day and night. It was almost as if he knew most of her struggle. He was also nothing less than a close friend to her thus he spoke "Miss Grace you have been working too hard the last few days I think you should rest for sometime "

"There isn't a more satisfying feeling when you achieve the goal you had been working so hard for. And this project is huge it will all be worth in the end. Our company will become the leading entertainment company in France. "

"I can't argue once you have set your eyes upon your goal"

And after a few minutes of drive they arrived at the gym.

It had almost become her ritual to stop at the gym before heading from office to her house. She spent all her remaining energy, listening to music and training hard. It was almost as if she emptied herself, her worries, her fears, her anger all of it as she ran at the treadmill. After being completely exhausted she went home. She took a hot shower and went though her phone setting reminders before she went to sleep.