The partnership proposal had passed.

‎A clear majority had voted in favor.

‎Relieved murmurs spread throughout the conference room.

‎Several farmers even looked visibly emotional.

‎For the first time in weeks, there seemed to be hope.

‎Uncle Herbert nodded before looking in my direction.

‎"Since Director Alicia was the person who proposed the partnership and has led the project from the beginning, I believe she should oversee the negotiations moving forward."

‎Several executives nodded in agreement.

‎President Evan was the first to speak.

‎"I support that decision."

‎One after another, the others followed.

‎The decision was unanimous.

‎Uncle Herbert smiled.

‎"Then it’s settled."

‎His gaze rested on me.

‎"Director Alicia, the responsibility of handling Whitmore Industries’ partnership negotiations is now officially yours."

‎For a moment, the room erupted into applause.

‎I stood there slightly stunned before finally nodding.

‎"Thank you, everyone."

As the conference ended and everyone gradually exited the room, I remained seated, staring blankly at the documents in front of me.

Everything had happened so quickly.

I had reviewed most of the proposals, and there was no denying it—the proposal from Blackwood Dominion Enterprises was the best among them.

If Whitmore Industries wanted a partnership that would truly benefit both sides while preserving its independence, then Blackwood Dominion was the perfect choice.

And now...

I had been given the responsibility of handling the partnership.

What if someone recognized me?

The thought tightened my chest.

"Director Alicia?"

A familiar voice pulled me out of my trance.

I looked up to find President Evan standing nearby, his gaze filled with concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

I blinked before forcing myself to answer.

"I’m fine, sir."

He studied me for a moment.

Then his expression softened slightly.

"Congratulations. You did well."

A small smile appeared on my lips.

"Thank you, President Evan."

He gave a short nod before turning and walking away.

A few seconds later, I followed him out of the conference room.

As soon as I stepped into the hallway, I spotted Anna standing near the entrance, looking around impatiently.

The moment she saw me, her eyes brightened.

"I was wondering what kept you so long in there."

Her gaze briefly drifted toward President Evan’s retreating figure before returning to me.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Why are you always thinking about things like that?"

"Like what?" she asked innocently.

I didn’t bother responding.

Immediately, she threw her arms around me.

"Congratulations, Alicia. I’m really proud of you."

"Don’t choke me," I said, laughing softly.

Unfortunately, that only seemed to encourage her.

She held on even tighter before finally letting go.

The moment she released me, she pouted dramatically.

"What now?" I asked.

"I just can’t believe everyone trusted you with such a huge responsibility."

She crossed her arms.

"You’re so young, yet opportunities keep falling into your lap. I’m jealous."

I couldn’t help laughing.

"Hey, we worked on this together from the beginning, didn’t we?"

I nudged her shoulder.

"So technically, the responsibility was entrusted to both of us."

Then I added with a grin,

"And besides, I’m older than you."

"Hey!"

Anna immediately protested.

"You’re only older by one year."

"I’m still older."

I started walking away before she could argue further.

The next few days passed in a blur of preparations.

As expected, Blackwood Dominion Enterprises was officially selected as Whitmore Industries’ preferred partner.

Soon, a formal acceptance letter was sent confirming the partnership.

I personally reviewed every document before it was forwarded.

It wasn’t that I was no longer afraid.

I was.

Every time I saw the name Blackwood Dominion, my heart still tightened.

But eventually, I realized something.

I couldn’t allow the people who had accepted me at my lowest to suffer because of my own fears.

Rosewood Town had given me a home.

Whitmore Industries had given me a future.

And the people here had given me a family.

I couldn’t put all of that at risk for my personal feelings.

Besides...

Velaridge City was regions away.

Even if Blackwood Dominion sent representatives, the chances of them recognizing me were slim.

And if necessary, I could simply handle everything from behind the scenes without drawing attention to myself.

With that thought in mind, I finally allowed myself to relax.

And focused entirely on the work ahead.

Alexander’s POV

"Chairman Blackwood?"

"Come in," I said without looking up, my attention still on the file spread across my desk.

A moment later, footsteps approached.

I lifted my head and found Karen, my assistant, standing before me with another file clutched in her hands.

"Chairman Blackwood, we’ve completed everything needed for the partnership with Whitemore Industries. All that’s left now are the signatures from both parties."

I nodded.

"Leave it here. I’ll review it first."

"Alright, sir."

She placed the file on my desk before quietly leaving the office.

I picked it up and began reading through it.

Over the past two years, Blackwood Dominion had grown even stronger, reclaiming its position as the largest business empire in the country.

Most of our sectors had expanded significantly, including the clothing and textile divisions. But with the increasing demand came a new problem—we needed a stable cotton supplier.

Cotton wasn’t abundant in our region, which forced us to look elsewhere.

That search eventually led us to Rosewood Town.

The town was known for its vast cotton production, and Whitemore Industries had long dominated the market there.

For years, we had attempted to establish a partnership.

For years, every proposal had been rejected.

Yet suddenly, after all this time, they had accepted.

Ever since receiving their response, the company had been preparing everything necessary for the agreement.

And now it was finally ready.

I pressed the intercom.

"Ask the CEO to come to my office immediately."

"Yes, Chairman."

I returned to the proposal.

The more I read, the more impressed I became.

The agreement had been carefully structured to ensure both companies benefited equally.

In some areas, Whitemore might even gain more advantages than us.

Yet it was presented so skillfully that most people wouldn’t notice at first glance.

A faint chuckle escaped me.

Whoever drafted this proposal was intelligent.

Very intelligent.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Tristin entered.

As always, he looked impeccable.

A tailored suit.

Perfectly groomed hair.

That unreadable expression he rarely abandoned.

"You wanted to see me, Chairman Blackwood?"

I gestured toward the chair across from my desk.

"Sit."

He took his seat.

I slid the file toward him.

"The partnership agreement is ready. We only need representatives to finalize everything and sign the contract."

Tristin opened the file and read through it quietly.

Several moments later, he looked up.

"What would you like me to do?"

"Choose the representatives and make the necessary arrangements."

"Understood."

He closed the file but didn’t immediately stand.

Instead, he remained seated.

Watching me.

"If you have something to say, Tristin, just say it."

His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he finally spoke.

"This partnership is important."

"It is."

"We spent years trying to secure it."

I nodded.

"And?"

"I think it would be better if you handled it personally."

I frowned.

"I can’t leave the company and travel to another region over something like this."

"It’s not just another partnership."

His voice remained calm.

"The shareholders have been questioning why Whitemore suddenly accepted after rejecting us for years."

He paused.

"They’ll feel more confident if you’re personally involved."