Novel Square
Chapter 21
Chapter 21 Unlucky Alex
The atmosphere in the office was charged with anticipation as Claire gathered the team assigned to the Cortex 20 project. Faces were filled with eagerness and nervous excitement, each member hoping to hear their team announced as the winner. Claire stood at the front of the room; her expression composed yet hinting at the excitement bubbling within her.
"Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the Cortex 2.0 project. I'm pleased to announce that the winning group is GroupUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
D."
A collective cheer erupted from Group D, their faces lighting up with joy and relief. Claire watched them with a smile, pleased to see their enthusiasm. She made her way to the winning team, congratulating each member personally. "Congratulations, Group D! Your Innovative ideas and hard work have paid off. I'm looking forward to working closely with you an implementing Cortex 20," Claire said warmly, shaking hands and exchanging words of encouragement.
The team members beamed with pride, thanking Claire for the opportunity. Claire's genuine appreciation for their efforts resonated with the group.
As Claire prepared to head back to her office, her secretary Sandra approached her with a message.
"Claire, you have a meeting scheduled with HP. They're interested in partnering for their upcoming laptop launch and are considering using Cortex for their software."
Claire's interest piqued at the mention of a potential partnership with HP, a renowned tech giant.
*Thank you, Sandra. Please confirm the meeting and let them know I'll be ready to discuss our collaboration."
The meeting with HP took place in a sleek conference room, with representatives from both companies exchanging pleasantries before delving into business discussions.
Claire sat at the head of the table, exuding confidence, and professionalism as she welcomed the HP team.
"Thank you for considering Cortex for your software needs. We believe our innovative approach aligns well with HP's vision for the new laptop launch."
The HP representatives nodded, impressed by Claire's directness and knowledge of their project.
"We've reviewed Cortex's capabilities and believe it's the perfect fit for enhancing user experience on our new laptops," one of them
replied.
Claire outlined Cotex's strengths, highlighting its adaptability and user-friendly interface.
"We're committed to delivering top-notch solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. Our partnership can revolutionize the way users interact with HP devices and our company will be releasing Cortex 2.0, the new software. It will be great if your new laptop releases with our new software."
Discussions delved into technical details, potential timelines, and mutual goals for the collaboration. Both parties expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, recognizing the synergies between their respective offerings.
"I'm excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings," Claire remarked, a sense of satisfaction evident in her tone.
"We can't wait for our next meeting."
As the meeting concluded, handshakes were exchanged, marking the beginning of an exciting venture between Cortex and HP,
"Thank you, Ms. Peterson, for giving us the chance."
"No, thank you sir for considering Metacortex. It is a great honor"
"We are glad Robert Robertson is no longer the CEO."
Claire interest piqued at the mention of Robert name.
"Oh, why is that sir?"
"Let just say, he rejected us couple of times."
Claire can't help but wonder what's going on inside Robert head. Partnering with HP is a really great opportunity, especially for the company.
Claire sat at her desk, focused on signing the last document.
"Hey, Claire, are you ready to grab some lunch? Matthew asked with a grin, leaning against the doorframe of her office.
Claire looked up, a faint smile touching her lips. "Matthew and his obsession with food," she teased lightly, tilting her head slightly
Matthew chuckled. "Hey, food makes the world go round! Speaking of which, did you hear about the new restaurant that just opened i It's so exclusive that even the forks have a waiting list!" Claire replied with amusement etched on her face. "Oh, really? Sounds like my kind of place."
"So, are you in?"
Claire considered for a moment, tapping her pen against the document. "Fine. As long as it is not a sushi restaurant."
"I got you.
"Anyway, have you finish crack the firewall I told you?"
"Yup, it is all done. I will tell you over lunch."
As Claire walked out of Metacortex with Matthew, their conversation was lively and filled with shared laughter.
Meanwhile, Christian, who had accidentally spotted Claire while buying coffee nearby, was puzzled.
He took a double take to make sure that woman is Claire and indeed it is.
Christian can't help but wondering why Claire is walking out from Metacortex.
Without wasting a moment, he hurried back to the office and inform Alex about this.
gan
When Christian arrived at the office, he immediately noticed Alex's tense expression. Alex was pacing back and forth in his office, clearly agitated about something.
"Hey, Alex, what's with the face?" Christian asked, concerned about his friend's state of mind.
Alex let out a frustrated sigh. "We just got rejected by Metacortex for a meeting "
"They just rejected us? Did they give a reason?"
Alex shook his head. "No, they just said they're not interested."
Christian frowned. "That's odd. There must be a reason. Have you tried contacting them again to get some feedback?"
Alex paused, considering Christian's suggestion. "No, I haven't. Maybe I should give it another shot."
Alex walked to the couch and plopped down. "This wasn't supposed to be like this. Everyone wants to collaborate with Harris company. I still can't believe they rejected us." "Easy mate, maybe they have other plans."
Alex can't help but scoffed. "Turns out that Robert guy and this new CEO is the same. They don't understand how business work."
"Let's just wait for their feedback. If they reject us again without a good reasoning, we can stop by at their office."
"Or maybe we should just do that now.
Christian who sat across from Alex rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I got a good news. I saw Claire earlier."
His eyebrow shot up in surprise as he wasn't expecting Christian to see Claire that fast.
"Claire? Where did you see her?"
"Well, it is a bit odd though. I saw her leaving Metacortex company.
Alex frowned just got deeper and deeper. "What is she doing there?"
"Not sure but who knows maybe she is planning on working."
"Working? She can't even cook to save her life let alone working. Does she even have the qualities? I believe no."
"People change, Alex. Let's not judge her."
Alex rolled his eyes and continue asking his best friend for information about Claire. "Did you low where she is going? Or did you talk to her?" Christian scratched his head nervously as he forget about following Claire. "Yeah, about that, I..kind of forgotten."
"So, you came all the way here just to tell me you see Claire?"
He nodded and Alex heaved a deep sigh feeling frustrated once again.
"What is wrong with people?"
Don't worry, pal, I will still keep an eye on Claire. At least we both know she is alive."
Christian made a good point as he made a mental note to keep an eye out for Claire and maybe next time if he sees her, he should approach her. "Why am I so unlucky lately."