LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 3: The Pitch
**Chapter Three: The Pitch**
The air in Blackwood Technologies crackled with anticipation. It wasn't just the usual pre-presentation jitters; this was different. This was *the* presentation. The one that could catapult Blackwood Technologies into the stratosphere or send it plummeting back to earth. Ruby, despite her usual calm demeanor, felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her stomach. She checked her watch for the tenth time in as many minutes, her usually bright eyes reflecting a nervous energy.
Ethan, however, remained remarkably calm. He was a natural in these situations, his confidence radiating outward like heat from a furnace. Still, even his usual easy charm seemed slightly edged today with a touch of nerves. He paced the small office they were in before the presentation, a quiet energy humming around him.
Ruby, ever attentive, stepped forward and gently straightened his tie. The simple gesture felt intimate, a silent reassurance of their shared hopes and anxieties. "Good luck, love," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the quiet hum of the office. Her hand brushed his chest as she gently adjusted his clothing and felt his heart beating rapidly beneath his jacket, matching her own nervous pulse.
Ethan's breath hitched momentarily before regaining his composure. His usually bright eyes softened at her gesture before focusing on the task at hand. He offered a reassuring smile, showing his gratitude. "Thanks, darling. I'll need it," he replied, his voice steady and confident. His demeanor seemed effortless, as though he had practiced a thousand times.
He picked up his USB drive, a small, unassuming device that held the key to their future. This wasn't just any USB; it was custom-designed, incorporating cutting-edge technology capable of seamlessly mirroring the presentation onto the large cinema screen in the boardroom. It was Ruby's innovative work, which had helped him a lot during their research and made their presentation easy. It was a testament to their collaborative brilliance, a symbol of their shared vision.
He checked the contents once more and when he was sure he had everything he needed he started his walk towards the boardroom.
He stepped into the imposing boardroom, the polished mahogany table gleaming under the bright lights. Around the table sat the company's directors, their faces impassive masks of authority, and among them, his father, Arthur Blackwood, a man whose approval meant more to Ethan than any business accolade. The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air.
He began his presentation with a calm, confident smile and a brief overview of Blackwood Technologies. He explained that they were a cutting-edge software development company specializing in augmented reality (AR) applications, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in immersive technology. Their latest project, the one he was presenting, was a revolutionary new AR design software. It promised to change the way architects, engineers, and designers worked, creating a more intuitive and collaborative design process.
He used the USB drive to seamlessly transition through the presentation on the large screen, showcasing the software's capabilities with stunning visuals. The cinema screen brought the presentation to life, the details crisp and clear, enhancing the overall presentation. He demonstrated how the software could overlay 3D models onto real-world environments, allowing users to visualize designs in a completely new way. He showcased its collaborative features, demonstrating how multiple users could work on a project simultaneously, regardless of location. He even showed a quick mock-up of how it could be used in various industries, from architectural design to medical visualization.
The presentation was captivating, a seamless blend of technology, innovation, and vision. His voice was clear, articulate, and passionate, his energy infectious. He engaged the directors with his clarity of thought and the future possibilities of their product. He effortlessly navigated complex technical details with remarkable simplicity. He answered questions about scalability, market analysis, and potential competitors with well-researched answers and a calm confidence that reassured the room.
The questions flew fast and furious. "What is your competitive advantage?" one director asked, his tone skeptical.
Ethan responded with a well-structured response that discussed the innovative algorithms underpinning their software, its superior usability, and their comprehensive approach to integrating the software into existing workflows.
"How will you protect your intellectual property?" another director pressed.
Ethan detailed their robust patent strategy, emphasizing the unique aspects of their algorithms and design philosophy, highlighting the difficulty of replication.
"What is your projected ROI and market penetration within the first three years?" demanded a third, his tone sharp and demanding.
Ethan answered with a detailed financial projection, supported by comprehensive market research. He demonstrated how the company plans to dominate the market in a realistic manner.
His father, Arthur, remained silent throughout the presentation, his expression unreadable. Only a slight twitch of his lips hinted at his inner thoughts. The silence was more nerve-wracking than any questions. But as Ethan finished his presentation, his father finally spoke.
"Well done, son," Arthur said, his voice gruff but laced with a clear note of pride. The weight of his father's approval lifted a considerable burden from Ethan's shoulders and he felt relief wash over him.
The other directors, too, offered their praise, their initial skepticism replaced by a palpable sense of excitement and agreement. The presentation had been a resounding success, a testament to the dedication, the skill, and the innovative genius of Ethan and Ruby. The small, unassuming USB drive had played its part, seamlessly guiding the audience through a tour of the future of design. It was a symbol of their partnership, a testament to their collaborative triumph.
The meeting adjourned on a high note, the success already palpable. The success wasn't just Ethan's, but Ruby's too. It was a shared victory. As Ethan walked out of the boardroom, he knew that this was only the beginning of their journey. The journey of creating their new business and the journey of their life together. And he looked forward to every moment of it.
Ruby, ever efficient, organized Ethan's office files with practiced ease. The rhythmic click of the filing cabinet drawers and the soft rustle of papers provided a quiet soundtrack to her work. Once everything was meticulously arranged, she locked his office door with a satisfying click, the small sound echoing the sense of order and accomplishment she felt.
Returning to her own small but neatly organized desk, she tackled the overflowing inbox. Letters and emails lay scattered across her workspace, a mixture of formal business correspondence and the occasional less formal personal note. She expertly sorted through the mail, deftly separating the urgent from the routine. With practiced efficiency, she replied to the most pressing emails, her fingers flying across the keyboard, before forwarding the rest to Ethan's inbox for his attention. The soft glow of her computer screen illuminated her face, highlighting the concentration etched in her features.
Meanwhile, in the grand lobby of Blackwood Technologies, Arthur Blackwood, Ethan's father, shook his son's hand firmly, a silent acknowledgment of the successful presentation. The elder Blackwood, a man of few words but immense power, strode confidently toward the elevators, his presence leaving a palpable impact on those around him. The polished brass of the elevator doors reflected his image as he disappeared upwards, heading towards his chauffeured limousine waiting outside.
Ethan, in turn, quietly made his way back to the small, cozy office that served as Ruby's workspace – a space so different from the stark, modern design of the main office. It was a tiny room, tucked away just off the main hallway, almost hidden. A single window looked out onto a quiet courtyard, providing a welcome contrast to the bustling activity of the main office. Bookshelves crammed with novels and business magazines lined one wall, next to a small, hand-painted desk that was more comfortable than the sleek modern tables in the rest of the building. Plants and flowers stood on a sill adding colour and a homey feel to the room. It served as a bridge between the formal world of the boardroom and the more personal world of his own office, and it was entirely Ruby's domain. A small door, barely visible, connected the space to his own private office.
He slipped into the little office, his steps quiet, and approached Ruby. He returned the USB drive, placing it gently on her desk. "Keep this for me until next time," he said, his voice low and warm, the sound breaking through her concentration.
Ruby looked up, her face lighting up at his presence. "You're here," she said, her smile radiating happiness. "How did it go?"
Ethan chuckled, the sound rich and reassuring. "Not bad," he said, a playful lilt in his voice. He leaned against her desk, observing her as she returned to her work, looking entirely unconcerned and completely at ease.
"Not bad? Just that?" Ruby insisted, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of curiosity and playful challenge. Her smile widened, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she leaned forward, her suspense building to a near fever pitch. "Tell me in detail," she urged, her voice a conspiratorial whisper.
Ethan smiled, a genuine expression of affection that softened his usually businesslike demeanor. "Over dinner tonight," he replied, his voice laced with a promise. He winked at her, a gesture that sent a blush creeping across her cheeks. Then, with a final lingering glance, he pushed open the door to his own office, leaving Ruby lost in a happy daydream.
***
Meanwhile, a world away from the high-powered world of Blackwood Technologies, Runa sat in a sterile, bright waiting room. The air conditioning hummed steadily, providing a contrast to the nervous energy thrumming through her. She nervously gripped a crumpled tissue, her knuckles white. She was at St. Jude's Hospital. The hospital itself was enormous and imposing; the building looked older, hinting at a long history of caring for its patients. But the modernity of its amenities were not something that Runa had the luxury of appreciating at that moment.
Finally, her name was called, and she walked into a smaller, quieter examination room, where Dr. Anya Sharma greeted her with a warm, professional smile. The doctor's office was small but immaculately clean, furnished with a comfortable chair, a desk, and a large computer screen displaying complex medical charts.
The process was a blur of questions and physical examinations. Dr. Sharma was gentle and reassuring, her mannerisms suggesting a calm determination. She conducted tests and inquired thoroughly into Runa's menstrual cycle, her general health, and any symptoms.
Then, the moment arrived. Dr. Sharma held the test results, a small piece of paper that held immense weight. She looked at Runa, a gentle smile on her face, and said quietly, "Congratulations, Ms. Williams. You are pregnant."
The words hung in the air, registering slowly in Runa's stunned mind. Pregnancy? The sheer impact of the revelation left her speechless. A wave of emotions — shock, disbelief, fear, and a flicker of something that might have been hope — washed over her.
She managed a forced smile, taking the results with trembling hands. Her mind raced, overwhelmed by the implications of the revelation. The weight of this moment, this momentous turning point in her life, was heavy. She was pregnant, utterly unprepared for this eventuality, but there was a sense of surprise in the unexpected circumstances. She left the office quietly, the weight of the news pressing down on her. The sterile atmosphere of the hospital seemed to amplify the chaotic storm brewing within her. She stepped out of the building, the bright sunlight seemed almost too intense, an assault on her senses. She had to sort through her feelings, make sense of everything. The implications of the pregnancy, unexpected and yet strangely welcome, cast a long shadow over her future.