The Test of Adeline
The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over Romanio Enterprise’s sleek glass building as Adeline and Mr. Carter arrive.
Adeline adjusts her blazer, taking a steadying breath before they enter. The stakes feel higher than ever, and she knows Alaric Romanio is known for his unrelenting approach in business.
They are shown to the conference room where Alaric, already seated, watches their arrival with a cold, calculating gaze.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*coldly as they enter* Mr. Carter. Ms. Martino. You’re on time. Let’s get started
Mr. Carter
*smiling politely* Thank you, Mr. Romanio. We’ve prepared our proposal thoroughly, as you requested.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*nodding, with a slight smirk* I’m sure you have. Ms. Martino, I believe you’ll be leading today’s presentation?
Adeline Martino (FL)
*nervously but with a polite smile* Yes, Mr. Romanio. I’ll be presenting the details of our proposal.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*leans back, gesturing her to begin*
Adeline starts her presentation, her voice steady but her heart pounding as she explains each slide in detail.
Her explanations are articulate and well-prepared, but Alaric’s icy stare never leaves her, making her feel as though he’s dissecting her every word.
Midway through, Alaric raises his hand, interrupting.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*coldly* Ms. Martino, you mentioned projected growth figures. Can you explain the methodology you used for those projections?
Adeline Martino (FL)
*pausing, searching her notes*
Adeline Martino (FL)
Yes, we based them on recent market trends and competitor analysis, adjusting for—
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*cutting her off, eyebrow raised*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Adjusting? That’s vague. I’d like specifics on how exactly you projected those numbers in the current economic climate.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*hesitating* I… I apologize, Mr. Romanio. I can provide further details after the meeting if that’s acceptable.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*with a slight smirk, watching her reaction
Alaric Romanio (ML)
I see. And what about the predicted cost savings in your plan? You projected a 15% reduction.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
What specific measures are included to achieve that?
Adeline Martino (FL)
*attempting to keep her composure*
Adeline Martino (FL)
That percentage includes several strategic cuts in operational expenses, primarily through restructuring our current processes…
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*cutting in, his tone icy*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Strategic cuts? Ms. Martino, those are generalities. What I’m asking for are measurable tactics. Anyone can make claims; I need precision.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
What evidence do you have that your approach will actually work?
Adeline’s heart races as she realizes she hasn’t prepared for such a detailed breakdown on this specific point.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*voice faltering slightly* We… we believe that by analyzing the redundancies in current processes, we can—
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*with a dismissive chuckle*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Believe’? Belief has no place in business, Ms. Martino. Facts do. What happens if you’re wrong and your projections fall short?
Adeline feels a pang of anxiety as she struggles to respond. She can sense Mr. Carter shifting uncomfortably beside her, but he lets her continue.
Adeline Martino (FL)
I apologize, Mr. Romanio. I didn’t prepare the precise details you’re asking for, but I assure you I’ll provide them as soon as possible.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*voice sharp and unyielding*
Alaric Romanio (ML)
Ms. Martino, you’re representing your company in a meeting worth millions. Assurance and apologies won’t close this deal.
Silence fills the room as Adeline feels a wave of discouragement wash over her.
She’d worked so hard on this presentation, but Alaric’s questions have dismantled her confidence piece by piece.
Alaric Romanio (ML)
*coldly* That will be all for now. Mr. Carter, thank you for your time. I’ll be in touch.
Mr. Carter
*gives Adeline a sympathetic look*
Adeline, trying to hold her head high, glances at Alaric, who’s now back to his indifferent expression.
She follows her boss out of the room, feeling a hollow sense of disappointment. As they step into the hallway, Mr. Carter gently puts a hand on her shoulder.
Mr. Carter
Adeline, don’t be too hard on yourself. You did well under pressure. Romanio is known for these tactics, testing people’s limits. He’s… relentless.
Adeline Martino (FL)
Thank you, Mr. Carter. I just… I thought I was prepared, but he caught me off guard. I feel like I failed.
Mr. Carter
Not at all. You’re learning, and that’s what matters. If anything, Romanio wouldn’t have pushed so hard if he didn’t think you could handle it.
Adeline manages a small smile, grateful for Mr. Carter’s support.
As they head out of Romanio Enterprises, she resolves to study harder, determined not to let Alaric Romanio intimidate her again.
Comments
Roseanme
Aww he’s so sweet
2025-03-16
0