C6 THE APPLAUD

We can all see that Petersons International didn't disappoint us at all as they have performed excellently beyond our imaginations. We therefore award this huge contract to the Petersons International. Dr. Hema said with a broad smile

The panel of judges, the executives and Dr. Hema were all on a standing ovation as they applauded Aryyah for the excellent performance.

Jackson smiled genuinely releasing all the tension within. Aryyah glanced at Jackson and smiled gratefully too.

What was meant to be a defeat had become a story of victory for the company and I. All thanks to Aryyah. Jackson said in his mind.

Excuse me everyone, just a few moments please. Anderson Marrows called

bringing the chattering audience to a silence. What is the problem? Dr. Hema asked wondering what Anderson had to say.

Aryyah's face became flushed with a pinky bloom. She knew something wasn't right with the way Anderson stared at her. Her face always turned pink whenever she feels something is not right.

He brought out a package and presented it to Dr. Hema. 'The Petersons International had just presented a counterfeit design to steal this contract from us sir. Please, check to see that what they presented is a replica of what we have here. They secretly stole our own designs to make their own counterfeit which they presented today'.

What? Everyone screamed and turned to look at Aryyah and Jackson. Aryyah's eyes widened as she opened her mouth in shock.

Petersons International, is this true? Dr. Hema asked both of them. Is this true? Jackson turned to Aryyah and asked.

Aryyah was more shocked to hear Jackson ask her such. Is this true? She said.

She looked back at everyone who had their eyes fixed on both of them, she managed to stand with the last courage left in her as she tried to arrange her thoughts properly before speaking.

'Well, this is not true. This chaotic accusation against Petersons is a total fallacy.

The designs are Petersons personal designs originally made by us. If you do not believe us, we will like to present evidences of the making of the designs we have here'. Thank you. She sat down quietly.

This deception is totally derailing and unacceptable by both companies. We do not condole such incompetency and and unimaginable incapability. Dr. Hema screamed and began to cough again then stopped.

'Sorry sir, Jackson said as he stood to speak. In the modus operandi of our company, we do not associate with counterfeit, ingenuity and inorignality as our rival company blindly claimed simply because adequate genuinty and transparency are our focus.

We do not know what Mr Anderson is talking about here but we will surely look into the matter and get to it's root.

This is purely deformation of character without substantial evidence by Mr Anderson and we will not take this lightly. Thank you sir'. Jackson said trying to control his anger to the bearest.

Mr Anderson, why did it take you so long to present your opposing evidences? Dr. Hema said.

Because I ...... Dr. Hema became chocked, held his chest, closed his eyes and continued to cough as panic returned to the room immediately. Dr. Hema, Dr. Hema.... Ambulance, hospital, emergency! He began to cough out blood after which he collapsed on his seat.

In the midst of the panic, Jackson walked to Anderson. How much will it take you to shut your mouth and seal your lips? You stinking pirate! He said angrily.

'You know you have always used upper hands to gather the gold rocks to yourself but know that power has changed hands and you have no power over me any longer; I will make sure you do not get this contract, you traitor. Anderson responded with suffocating anger.

I didn't leave your company for anything else other than the fact that your are a goddamn user and dumper. You use people and leave them wretched!' Anderson added.

The ambulance arrived in no time and DR. Hema was wheeled away on a stretcher into the ambulance and taken to the theatre for an emergency operation.

Anderson moved closer to Aryyah. I understand that this is your husband. He is not who you think he is, he is a traitor, a betrayer and a ....

Aryyah landed a thundering slap on his face. How dare you! You blackmailed the Petersons, stole our designs and now, you are talking down my husband right before my eyes?

Oooh! Anderson held his face. The entire room was silent and the moment became still. You slapped me? He said looking unexpectedly embarrassed.

That's what you get when you choose to mind a business that was never yours! You burnt the ladder that took you up. I'll slap you again and again. She said as she drew near in an attempt to slap him one more time.

Enough! Jackson spoke authoritatively and Aryyah put down her raised hands. His voice thundered powerfully across the room.

She took her bag and left quietly. I'm so sorry everyone, do have a good day. She said as she walked into the car and sat facing the window. Jackson also sat facing the other side as the driver swung into motion.

(Lee Chung International)

'The only problem I have with you is that you fail to do things at the right time. We agreed you were going to tender the designs during your presentation and you failed woefully. The time you did it didn't make any sense. You don't even get simple things right.! You have always done the right thing at the very wrong time. You are just a redundant blatant failure'. Brenda screamed at Anderson.

Did you just call me me a blatant failure? You bloody loser! Why were you not at the meeting? Uh tell me! He screamed back at Brenda. You left me to do the whole job and here you are barking at me like a dog. Brenda itched the back of her neck. Well, I'm sorry Anderson.

Get the fuck out of my sight, you lazy sleepy ass. You are only good at fucking on goddamn office tables. He screamed.

What! Did you just say?