Leap OF Fate

Chapter 25

Serene had a scheduled meeting with Innovative Data in the afternoon. They will personalize their

software and enter all the rules that they’d like added in Lewis Tech’s system. This is where the bulk of

the work happens. So, she wanted to make sure that everything was prepared before she went to her

client’s office.

She was deep in her work with what she was doing; she did not care at all about her surroundings. The

sound of somebody clearing his throat caught her attention. Her hands stopped tapping her keyboard,

her head snapped up to see the person who broke her concentration.

Albert’s warm eyes greeted her. He was smiling at her and his eyes looked like two crescents. He and

Mary shared the same eyes. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Serene looked at Albert with bright eyes

and thought that Albert perhaps had some last-minute tips to help her with her configuration meeting

with Innovative Data. “Come up to my office, OK?” Serene nodded and picked up her notepad and pen, Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

then followed Albert to his office.

Albert’s spacious office was immaculate. The walls were plainly painted white and the only decoration

he had was a large framed family picture. For the Lewis’ their family always came first, and Serene

somewhat felt privileged and grateful that the Lewis’ consider her as family because of Mary.

“Take a seat, Shen” Albert affectionately invited her. She sat on the chair in front of his table and stared

at him. Albert cleared his throat, then assumed his employer persona and seriously spoke to her, “Have

you heard of the recent changes in Innovative Data?”

His question puzzled Serene. She was just on the phone with Madeline this morning to remind her of

the things they needed to prepare, and she mentioned nothing about any organizational changes.

Albert took in all the changes in her facial expression, from her furrowed brows and the deep-in-the-

thought look her face had. “A large conglomerate recently acquired Innovative Data.” Serene’s eyes

were as round as her mouth. Naturally, the organizational development of her client was surprising, but

she was apprehensive to know if they would still continue working with them.

Albert seemed to have read her thoughts because after a while he continued, “They did not cancel their

cooperation with us, in fact, they bumped our contract.” The excitement in Albert’s voice was

unmistakable. “They liked our product and would like it to apply to the main office first before being

rolled down to their other branches and acquired companies like Innovative Data.”

Albert’s excitement was infectious. Hearing his explanation, Serene can only imagine how much gain

this partnership would bring to Lewis Tech. Her smile was as wide as his and her head bobbed in

understanding.

Serene knew that since things turned out this way, she understood that handling the project

implementation needed somebody who had more experience and expertise. She has always been a

team player and in these kinds of situations; she knew she needed to hand over this opportunity to

somebody more capable.

“I know how hard you worked on the preparation for Innovative Data,” here it goes, Serene thought as

Albert continued his talk. “I have decided that you should continue being the lead on this.” He gave her

a warm smile. “So, pack up your bags because you’d be going to Hyacinth Bay tomorrow!”

Hearing that she had to go back to Hyacinth Bay snatched away the happiness she felt from learning

that she will continue to lead the project. Of all places, why does it have to be Hyacinth Bay. It’s a big

city, but Rain International was also there. Serene complained inwardly.

Serene gave Albert a nod, then out of the blue asked, “Which company brought Innovative Data?”

“Rain International. You’re so lucky to have the chance to work with an internationally renowned

company, Shen.” Pride beamed on Albert’s eyes as he continued to look at her no longer as her

employer, but as a big brother.

Serene felt like there was a bucket of ice poured down her back when she heard Albert say Rain

International. She kept blinking her eyes in disbelief and licked her lips a couple times because they felt

dry suddenly.

“Al, I don’t think I am up to this job.” Her voice was low and shaky. She respected Albert so much, and

she knew he was sincerely giving this opportunity to her for her growth. She felt very embarrassed to

pass on the job, but she had to.

“Why, not?” Albert interpreted her hesitation as lack of self-confidence. He continued to gaze at her like

a proud big brother encouraging his younger sibling. “You have previously worked there and knew

people there already. You are the perfect person for this job, Shen.”

“Thank you for your confidence, Al. But I am not even a certified project manager, the projects that I’ve

helped with are only mid-sized companies. I have no experience implementing a project for a large

enterprise.”

“I know, and this is your time to shine, Shen!” Albert’s smile was so wide as he continued to encourage

her. “You can do it, Shen!” He gave her two thumbs up.

She and Mary did not inform anyone in their families about the events that happened in Hyacinth Bay.

She knew that had Albert known about this, he would not let her take this project. Like Mary, she knew

Albert would protect her too.

But alas, seeing the way proud look on Albert’s face, Serene just bit the bullet. She cannot afford to let

this man, who had done nothing but good things for her, down.