Chapter 25 - Hillary Beau

ACROSOFT CONFERENCE ROOM

Jake walked into the conference room for the long anticipated shareholders meeting for the initiation of his new project.

He looked around and he could read the expression on the faces of each shareholder.

This would be his first meeting as the CEO of Acrosoft Inc. He could feel the burden on his shoulders in his first week, but he couldn't avoid his destiny. The company was built on his grandfather's blood and sweat, and his father has invested his life in it before he died. Now it was his turn to lead the company even though he had served as the president after his father's death.

"Good day CEO" The shareholders greeted as soon as he walked into the board room. Jake was the youngest CEO since the inception of the company, but he was duly respected.

Jake took his seat at the head of the round conference table. "Good day everyone, we all know why we are gathered here. We are here to discuss and approve a new project that I think will be highly beneficial to the company" Jake said before signalling his secretary, Patrick, to share the documents he had prepared amidst the shareholders.

"The documents before you shows the idea for a new project 'ProGuard'. This will be a major anti-hacking security software that prevents every game, phone and computer out there from being hacked."

"Looking at the changing trend of mobile game hacking, which is characterized by indiscriminately hacking using automated hacking tools since the early days when only popular games are hacked. That is because hackers already have a complete understanding of the app structure, thus additional hacking attempts can be led frequently. That's why we'll be creating our newest project ProGuard. It will provide a comprehensive and dynamic solution that surpasses anything commercially available in the realm of video games security today. This will be a software that promote fair playing and reduces harrassment.

"It will be designed to detect software used for cheating as well as isolate cheaters and prevent them from disrupting legitimate games" Jake paused to scan the looks on the faces of every shareholder seated there. And from the look of it, not every one member was buying into his idea but the majority was in his favour. He was confident of receiving 100% support of the share holders at the end of the meeting. He continued...

"But how is this different from any game anti-hacking program out there" a powerful female voice echoed through the room as soon as she walked into the conference room, while every body turned to look at her as she elegantly swayed her way to a seat at the table. She looked as beautiful as she has always been, not a single day older. Her perfect skin glow and ageless face tells you how much she invests on her skin care.

She gave a polite bow to the shareholders, "Sorry for being late" She said before turning to Jake with a meaningful smile, making Jake glare at her lightly.

It would seem she has returned to make trouble for him, but he wasn't surprised, after all that was her forte.

Jake had to hold himself from snapping at her because he was greatly irritated by this woman—Hillary Beau or rather Hillary Woods as she was called on screen. He has always wondered why his father had married her, but that wasn't the issue at hand as he redirected his focus back to his meeting.

"ProGuard is a 100 steps ahead of the typical antihacking game security programs out there. Yes it was initially designed for gaming but it actually protect more than that. It protects your phone, computers, CCTV and every other gadgets out there connected to the internet. It's ideal for internet users as it protects your computer's data from hackers. Thus reducing the rate of cyber crime in society. ProGuard is definitely more than a just a game enhancer, it's the future of internet security"

A hand could be heard clapping singly before others joined after Jake finished his speech.

"Proguard. An antihacking security software? What about our other security programs? Don't they do the same thing?" Hillary asked tilting her head in Jake's direction after the clapping died down.

"But they function separately. According to the CEO, this will be like a multipurpose software that protects more than just a game, but every thing else" A shareholder answered. It would seem that Hillary's intention to oppose Jake's idea was been well observed by those seated at the table.

"That's a brilliant idea and I think we should go with it. After all CEO Jake has led even more brilliant ideas that has brought huge success. So I believe in his capabilities to do something even better than before" Another Shareholder added while the others nodded in concurrence with the exception of Hillary Beau who just flashed a stiff smile.

Jake was not surprised by the shareholders decision. Their sole interest has always been about making more money and he was helping them do just that.

The meeting continued for another half an hour before is was concluded.

Jake was both happy and nervous at the same time. This project must surely be a success. He knew he has to work even harder to bring his plan to fruition.

**********

"My step son has sure grown up" Hillary said behind Jake as soon as they walked out of the conference room. Jake continued in his strides without paying any attention to her.

"Did your grandfather tell you what we talked about?" Hillary asked, while Jake stopped walking making a smug smile creep on Hillary's face.

"I heard he visited the hospital after our small conversation. Tsk, he's becoming too weak" She added.

Jake turned at her and he was extremely pissed when he saw that smug smile on her face.

"You really do bring shame upon actors and actresses at there. Looking at you is enough for my eyes to bleed, which makes me wonder if people ever watch your movies. Oh! I guess that's why you have the lowest screen time in all the movies you star in. Tsk, so boring." Jake said in a ridiculing and mocking tone before turning around to head to his office.

Hillary glared at his back angrily before recomposing herself as her fake perfected smile appeared on her face as she walked out of the company.. She just have to look for a way to get to him.