CHAPTER 154: THE FIRST WIN?

In a conference room at Cullen’s Architects,

Unaware of the man plotting against her, Aveline entered the conference room with her team.

There were already two people in the room: the head of EventCraft Solutions and an assistant.

They didn’t know each other. Aveline didn’t feel the necessity to greet them. She and her team were taking seats opposite them when a man sneered.

"Ms. Laurent, looks like you aren’t just naive, nobody taught you to greet your seniors in the industry."

A frown appeared on the faces of Nolan and the others.

Aveline looked at the man in the suit, in his thirties, with a wicked smile on his face. She didn’t find him vicious, though his tongue was sharp.

Although he taunted her, she remained calm. "Accept my apologies, Sir. I’m Aveline Laurent from Grace and Bloom."

Only then did the man realize she doesn’t even recognize him. He cleared his throat and introduced himself. "CEO Jude of EventCraft Solutions."

With a faint smile, Aveline ignored him and sat down on the chair.

Then arrived the CEO of the company, a man in his fifties, with his wife and a secretary.

After pleasantries, EventCraft Solutions began the presentation using placards. "Cullens Architects has trusted EventCraft Solutions for over a decade. We’ve handled every occasion with precision, never letting you down. But we know the 30th anniversary isn’t just another gala, it’s your legacy on display. So we’ve drawn up something fitting."

He changed the placard. "Guests will be greeted with welcome drinks and bite-sized snacks the moment they arrive. A live DJ will keep the atmosphere vibrant for your team, while the banquet caters to the high-society crowd, business leaders, investors, and their families mingling under different roofs."

He continued changing the placards. "There, we’ll lift the tone with live performances by singers, dancers, keeping energy high without stealing the spotlight from your name. Dinner will follow, with different and tailored menus for both your employees and your elite guests for cost-cutting. Everything can be customized to your taste."

The Grace and Bloom team was quiet the whole time. CEO Cullens and his wife were murmuring something in between, but no one knew they were talking about Aveline, about her calmness, composure, and how beautiful she looked.

Mr. Cullens offered Jude a brief nod. "Thank you, Mr. Jude. EventCraft’s work is... thorough." His gaze shifted deliberately to the other end of the table where Aveline sat. "Ms. Laurent, why don’t you take us through your presentation?"

"Sure," Aveline softly dipped her head in response and glanced at Nolan.

Nolan took the cue. He confidently stood up and dimmed the lights in the room to start their digital interactive presentation on the large white screen.

"I’m Nolan, Creative Head at Grace and Bloom. We’re here for the Cullens’ 30th anniversary. But I’ll say this upfront: we protect what we create, and the full scope will only be revealed if we are chosen for this event."

CEO Cullens and his wife looked at each other in disappointment that Aveline wasn’t the one presenting to them. Nevertheless, CEO Cullens cued Nolan, "Proceed."

Nolan clicked the first slide. "Thirty years didn’t happen overnight. It took sweat, late nights, and the Cullens’ relentless drive. How could we celebrate that without showing it?"

A new slide appeared on the screen with reference pictures. "Architectural Journey Walkthrough," he said. "An exhibition of your landmark projects, arranged as a curated timeline gallery. We’ll use 3D models with client testimonials alongside them. It’s more than nostalgia, it’s fuel for your team to push harder."

Forgetting why Grace and Bloom were invited, everyone loved the idea, including the men from EventCraft Solutions.

Nolan continued smoothly. "The same banquet format has been done to death. You need a venue with its own voice, an architectural landmark, a heritage hall, or a design museum." He pointed at the venue they had listed in the presentation.

"Lighting will be used meticulously, with geometric shadows across the room. Materials from your own work, marble, steel, and bricks, will be used for the décor. Your event will look like it was built, not just hosted."

Nolan paused and pointed at the screen, which had a few titles like Legacy Awards & Time Capsule, Interactive Photo Wall, Classy & Rewarding Touches, and Engagement Elements.

"Here we conclude the first step of the presentation." Then Nolan sat down and calmly sipped water to soothe his parched throat.

They weren’t just protecting their ideas; they were also igniting the curiosity of the listener.

Mrs. Cullens interjected, feeling it was unfair. "How can we assure you of the event if we don’t know the whole idea?"

Aveline responded calmly. "Mrs. Cullens, Grace and Bloom would like every event to be remembered for its uniqueness. We can’t afford to let our ideas slip into the wrong hands. If you aren’t satisfied with our presentation," and she pointed at the screen, "this glimpse of the ideas we have prepared for you, you may turn us down and continue to collaborate with EventCraft Solutions."

Not only did they have to choose Grace and Bloom because they were being dictated to, but they also loved their ideas. So CEO Cullens took a deep, long breath and turned to EventCraft Solutions and apologized. "Thank you for your cooperation at every event, Mr. Jude. But I have decided to go with Grace and Bloom."

The Grace and Bloom team quietly celebrated, looking at each other. But on the surface, they remained the same, calm, mirroring their boss, Aveline Laurent.

Whereas the EventCraft Solutions head didn’t quietly leave. Instead, he snickered. "After you hear her price, you will run back to us."

Nobody reacted to it.

Then CEO Cullens cued the Grace and Bloom team to continue. "Please continue."

Thus, Nolan started on the remaining ideas with the presentation. "Legacy Awards to honor your longest-serving employees, collaborators, and clients. A Time Capsule Ceremony to inspire the next thirty years for your current team."

CEO Cullens leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the polished table. He glanced at his wife, who was listening intently, then gave a subtle nod to his secretary. A whisper followed. The secretary left without a word.

Nolan continued without a pause. "An Interactive Photo Wall could be a 3D backdrop built from bricks, arches, and scaled models of your work, so every picture taken screams ’Cullens.’"

Impressed, CEO nodded in satisfaction.

Nolan changed the slide and asked, "How could an event be boring?

Engagement Elements like Graffiti Walls, where guests leave sketches, messages, or quick drawings about what architecture means to them. You could turn it into a permanent art piece for your office."

The door opened quietly, and the finance department manager stepped in. No formalities. No noise. Just a quiet acknowledgment to the CEO before taking a seat at the far end of the table.

Nolan didn’t pay him any attention and continued with the presentation. "For the finishing touch, signature designer gifts go a long way, a mini sketchbook or custom 3D-printed keychains of your iconic buildings for every employee.

And if you want to make history, a book launch: ’Thirty Years of Design Excellence,’ that will have behind-the-scenes stories, rare photographs, and personal anecdotes from your journey."

With the final printed budget sheet on the screen, Nolan concluded the presentation. "Food and beverages could be arranged as per needs and discussions. Thank you." He returned to his seat and slowly took a sip of water.

When the silence was heavy, Aveline rose smoothly, her voice even. "Well, we are aware that all these events go beyond the budget you have given us. But we wanted to make sure you also know what more we could do if you are a bit more flexible. Of course, we can make adjustments to fit the elements you would like to keep."

CEO Cullens gave a faint and awkward smile. "Thank you, Ms. Laurent. If you wouldn’t mind stepping out for a short while, I would like to have a discussion with my finance department. My secretary will be at your service."

"Definitely." Aveline stood up with her team, grabbing the laptop.

Grace and Bloom’s team left the room, their steps quiet against the carpet.

Inside, CEO Cullens didn’t waste time. He discussed with the manager to realize they couldn’t afford to increase their budget.

So he dialed a string of numbers saved as ’Theodore.’ He said plainly when the call was answered, "I’ll need more money. I can’t afford her. When I trimmed their ideas to fit my budget, she refused to work with me." He lied.

Truthfully... he didn’t want those ideas to slip away. Their ideas wouldn’t just celebrate their anniversary event, they would create headlines.

How could he miss that?

The line was quiet for a few seconds before the response came. [Fine. I will be there shortly.]

When the Grace and Bloom team was called back, Mr. Cullens didn’t bother with negotiations. "Ms. Laurent, I will be frank. It’s not in our budget to afford such an event," he said, leaning forward with a sigh.

"But the way your team presented it, missing any detail would be a loss. I’m going beyond and forward to hiring you. So if you are free today, shall we discuss the details and seal the deal?"

Well, in reality, he didn’t want to miss the chance if anybody else hired them if he delayed by even a day.

...

By the end of working hours, after a few final adjustments and legal formalities, the contract was signed in the presence of their lawyers.

And Grace and Bloom had secured the fully flexible project.

From the first floor,

Through the glass wall, Theodore watched Aveline’s team celebrating in the parking lot, their laughter carrying even through the distance. His gaze fixed on Aveline, whose head tilted back as she laughed without restraint.

His lips curved into a slow snicker. ’Celebrate all you want, Aveline Laurent,’ he thought. ’When you fall, you’ll cry harder.’