Chapter CHAPTER 93
93 Unmasking Prejudices
Emma, ever observant, had already gauged the depth of her conversation with Lennox. His laughter with Alex was a clear signal of an alliance formed much before this soirée. As she Lennox, Emma’s intuition told her there was more beneath the surface of his casual demeanor. engaged with
Lennox’s approach towards Emma was laced with a subtle undercurrent of bias. It was as if he had preconceived notions about her capabilities, something Emma was quick to pick up on. “The tech world is small, Mr. Lennox. Word gets around, especially about potential partnerships,” she remarked coolly, maintaining her composure.
Lennox, unaccustomed to such directness, seemed momentarily off balance. Emma’s response wasn’t what he expected from someone seeking collaboration. It was clear Emma was not just any VP looking for a partnership; she was assessing him just as critically.
“You seem quite confident about your assessments, Mr. Lennox. Prejudging potential without a conversation–quite a risky business strategy, isn’t it?” Emma’s words were measured, revealing her awareness of Lennox’s preconceived bias against her.
Their exchange was more than just casual banter; it was a dance of wits and perceptions. Lennox had underestimated Emma, assuming her success stemmed more from her family name than her own merit. Emma, on the other hand, wasn’t willing to let such misconceptions slide without challenge. Lennox’s attempt to dismiss Emma was met with her poised, yet pointed, retort. “It’s interesting that you’ve already drawn conclusions about our potential collaboration without knowing my approach or ideas. Is this how you usually assess your business relationships, Mr. Lennox?”
The atmosphere between them was charged, a blend of professional rivalry and mutual evaluation. Emma wasn’t going to let Lennox’s assumptions go unchecked. She needed him to understand that her success wasn’t just handed to her; it was earned through hard work and strategic thinking.
Lennox, feeling the sting of her words, tried to regain his footing. “I don’t doubt your capabilities, Ms. Emma. It’s just that our paths in business don’t seem to align.”
Emma’s smile was sharp, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding far beyond what Lennox had anticipated. “Perhaps our paths don’t align, or perhaps it’s our perspectives that don’t. Either way, I wish you luck with your endeavors, Mr. Lennox.”
As Emma turned to leave, the air around them was filled with unspoken acknowledgments and newfound respect. Lennox watched her walk away, realizing he had just encountered a force to be reckoned with a woman who defied his expectations and challenged his biases.
Emma, walking back to Jada, felt a sense of satisfaction. She had not only defended her worth but also made it clear that she wouldn’t tolerate being underestimated. As she rejoined Jada, her mind was already moving on to the next challenge, ready to navigate the complex waters of business with her usual grace and intelligence.