Going Off-Script - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 In the following six months, Brimble Network's AI chip project made rapid progress. Fueled by an adrenaline rush, Arabella took me around the world. Our destinations included Silicon Valley, London, Tokyo, Singapore... We made our presence known in every leading tech hub, securing one major partnership after another. "Skye, don't you think we are born to be business partners?" Arabella slumped against the hotel sofa, clutching a wine bottle with a silly grin.

"Why didn't I notice sooner that working with you would be an absolute blast?" I stared at the computer screen, not even looking up. " You were too busy fighting with me over a guy." Arabella choked before roaring with laughter. "Right, right. I'm the big dummy passing up on an amazing partner just to obsess over some toxic guy." She scrambled up and got close to me, the alcohol in her breath brushing against my face. "Seriously, though. Do you still hate me?" Ilooked up, meeting her sparkling eyes. Hate?

Five years ago, the System defined her as the evil villainess, the ultimate obstacle to my happily-ever- after. She would show up to all my birthdays, stealing Patrick's attention away. One day, reality sank in. Arabella was the only one who remembered my birthday. She was never a horrible person, just a proud heiress at best. Arabella shielded me from the rain with an umbrella and recalled my allergies and food preferences. She handed me a fair contract when I was at my lowest. "No, Ihave never hated you." Stunned at first, Arabella proceeded to give me a bear hug. "You're the best, Skye.

You don't even hate me for what I had done to you." I gave her a pat on the back and chuckled. "Enough of the mushy stuff. We're meeting the investors tomorrow." She pulled back from my arms and switched to a more serious tone. "That reminds me. Suede Corporation has been facing some issues lately. "Patrick upset some of the long-standing shareholders. Apparently, he was dead set on axing one of the more profitable ventures to transition into AI chip technology." Arabella turned to me.

"The direction of that new project is a replica of the proposal you pitched to him at Suede Corporation two years ago." I fell silent. Two years ago, I pulled all-nighters just to put together a proposal on AI chips. I handed over the business plan to Patrick with high expectations. Not even sparing a moment to read, Patrick dumped the file in the trash can. He sneered, "Are you already dictating the business before becoming Mrs. Suede? Who do you think you are, Skye?" Arabella sighed. "He's currently trying to raise investment worldwide, but no one is willing to touch it.