Chapter 55 - Competition

Jade looked at Mrs Lim nervously as she could feel her heart race under the woman's scrutinizing look. She couldn't guess what was going through her mind as she kept looking at her silently. Jade knew she shouldn't reveal how nervous she was, so she had a straight and determined look on her face.

She would love to see Cale's expression right now, but that wasn't as important as the vice president's reply.

Cale stood with his mouth agape and his eyes widened in surprise. He was shocked, when he heard those words come out of Jade's mouth. What was going on? Why was she doing this? No, why were they doing this? He thought as he glanced at Stephanie who was standing beside him with a surprise look. It was obvious she didn't expect such a move from Jade as well.

Mrs Lim carefully looked at the young lady before her and she could tell Jade was nervous, but she was doing a good job masking it. Jade reminded her of herself 20 years ago. She had been this bold at a her age too. She didn't forget how she had walked in to the chairman's office and demanded for a promotion from the him while he was still alive, claiming she was long overdue for it. She loved it when young ladies were this bold and courageous.

Tracy Lim was a chinese-american who had made her way to the top on her wits. She had created a good name for herself in a foreign country against all odds, and she was pleased to find another young lady who was ready to do the same.

"You're an intern?" Mrs Lim asked Jade after a short period of silence. She had known that from Jade's words.

"Yes ma" Jade replied with a nod.

"What's your name?" Mrs Lim asked.

"Jade Peterson" Jade replied her. Another brief moment of silence ensued, making her nervous all over. She had heard rumors of how the vice president could make one sweat with her silence and cold look, and she just had to experience it for herself. But if truth be told, she thought Mrs Lim still looked beautiful even with a stern look on her face.

Mrs Lim turned to look at the supervisor who had a dumbfouned look on his face as he stared at Jade. He was surprised too see Jade acting this way. He had always known her to be a quiet person who never made much decisions for herself as she always agreed to others requests and opinions at the office. He never knew there was a side of her, that cold be this bold. He was aware of Jade's intelligence and capabilities, as a matter of fact, she was his favorite intern and he had always wished she could be more outspoken. He really didn't expect this at all.

He caught Mrs Lim inquiring look on him, and he could guess what she was implying. He cleared his throat and said, "Madam, Jade is a very capable person. If she says she can do it, I believe you should give her a try." Fortunately he was there to vouche for her proficiency.

Mrs Lim nodded at his words as she returned her gaze to Jade. "Do you think you're capable?" She asked Jade with a serious look which could make one shudder, as she leaned forward on her desk.

"Yes" She said confidently, making Cale ball his hands into a fist. He was finding it too difficult to control himself right now.

Mrs Lim turned to look at Stephanie, "And you're sure you can do it too?" Mrs Lin asked making Jade turn to look at Stephanie.

So this was why she was here? It seems they were both here for the same reason.

"Yes" Stephanie replied. For some reason Mrs Lim thought Stephanie was not capable of something like this. She didn't like the way Stephanie always presented herself. But for Jade, this was her first time meeting her, but she could see the determination in her eyes. She could see something in her eyes that was fighting to let go. She had seen that look before. She had had that look some years back.

Mrs Lim looked at the both of them properly before turning to Cale who was looking at both women with a distorted look on his face. Mrs Lim thought that he was probably weighing his competitions, since it had turned out to be one.

She had wanted to appoint a staff who'd bid for the contract, but now there are 3 people fighting for it, when the main competition was supposed to be between their company and that of others, aiming for the contract as well. It wasn't unusual for staffs to compete against each other, but there was something different about this one.

"Mr Cale you also want to go for this right?" Mrs Lim asked snapping Cale out of his thoughts.

"Ye..yes" He stuttered slightly. He had come here to request going for the contract because he had thought Jade had agreed to help him. So what was all this?

"Alright, I'll be giving you all a week to sign that contract with Acrosoft. Who ever gets it, can then make their request" She said the latter part looking at Jade.

"You can all leave" She said dismissively. She watched as they all turned to leave, except the HR supervisor. Her eyes stayed on Jade as she walked out of the room. Somewhere in her heart she was rooting for her. There was something about Jade that was appealing to her.

She'd have to wait for Jade to prove how capable she was, if she really wanted that position.