Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Samantha's POV.

We finally got to the Hotel that would be used for this year's conference, and I was marveled at how many persons were present. I thought we made it early, but we were late. I saw where the Apple groups were seated, and I went to sit with them, while my boss walked away from me and my colleague, to greet some persons.

If he came, he should be in the same space with us, but I could only see his grand parents, and somehow, I didn't want them to see me, for I didn't want my boss to know that I know them, else, he might have another idea, asking me to help him get a contract from them.

I knew that sooner than later, they will see me, but I was hoping that would be when Jade isn't close.

As soon as he moved away to another side to greet some other person's from another company, I seized the opportunity to greet the Anderson's.

"Oh my goodness! Samantha is that really you? Mrs Anderson asked and I nodded with a smile. I was thinking the greeting would be short, but she seems to be prepared to make it really long, for she got up and gave me a side hug. It wasn't like we clicked while I was with them, but the way they were talking with me, made me feel like they are just doing it, for the camera, but then she went further to apologize.

"I didn't get the chance to apologize to you before, because you left immediately, but I am so sorry, what my son did, was so not okay".

"Please ma, I work with a company who knows nothing about my past, so I will really like to keep it that way. What I am saying is that, I don't want to talk about the past here. I have forgiven all sins ". Just then, Jade appeared again and looking all happy, he asked.

"I see you have met one of my favorites staff, she is really good at what she does". He says and I felt blessed to have him say that about me. I could hear my colleagues, speaking behind my back, calling me names. They must really think I am a gold digger, or a name dropper, but whatever it was, going on in their mind, I didn't care, I was just glad that I had finished speaking with the Anderson's before he came back. I was almost tempted to ask of Craig, but I prevented myself. Few minutes later it started, and soon it was time for the presentations, and that was when I noticed that sir Anderson got up with his wife, and started waving. Somehow I was happy that he wouldn't be around, when I will be presenting, but then again, I was sad, because he won't get to see what I stayed up all night rehearsing. He also waved to me, and soon, everyone had almost finished presenting. When I saw what others presented, I was sure, that I had a better presentation, from the small companies. I looked around and since I didn't see anyone to distract me, I went ahead to speak. I was half way into my presentation, when I saw some CEOs ushering someone from the back seat to the front seat, he pulled a lady close to him, and held her by the hand. I paused to see whom it is that is about to take the seat the Anderson's left and it was Craig and Sandra. With the camera clicks and the lights almost blinding them, I had to pause, because those listening to me, became a bit distracted. I was also distracted for a minute, but after they were seated, I tried very hard to look away, as I started my presentation from the beginning. When I was through, I didn't receive any applaud like others who spoke before me, I felt like I haven't said anything meaningful, like I had thought, but to my surprise, almost half of the people seated, got up and started clapping, the exact way I had envisioned it. Soon every one was standing, except for the bosses of the Big companies, in their different tables. I had my eyes fixated on Craig, but damn, he wasn't even looking at me, he was whispering into her ears, and I could feel my heart boil. Jade had to come up to the stage to help me get down.

"That was stupendous". He says, as he helped me back to my seat, but all through, the walk back to my seat, Craig didn't even look at me, he was more focused on doing one thing or the other with her. It was like they brought office work to the conference. After I was seated behind, he was still busy with her.

That is the son of the man you were greeting before, would your like me to introduce you two? I mean, I noticed you were staring at him".

I heard Jade ask, and I immediately shook my head, but before I could speak, Jade was already up, when he got to them, he signaled to me to come, I had no choice than to obey.

Meet Mrs Samantha, she is my newest addition, and I am very happy to say that she has been very good since she joined".

He says and I stood frozen, behind him. All that was left of my self Esteem was gone. Craig looked angry, or sad, I really could not place it. Sandra was giving me the look, while feeling like she just won a lottery, especially since Craig was holding her like his life depended on her.

"I have seen her, she is good". He says and sat down back, while I rushed back to my seat. I needed to just leave, I needed some fresh air.

"Why the hell is he giving me attitude? I asked out loud, forgetting that Jade was close to me, until he asked me what I just said.

" no, don't worry, I was just saying I don't feel so well, please can I go out for a minute? He nodded allowing me. I was happy to be away, but then, as soon as I got up, I felt dizzy, my visions were suddenly blurry, that before I noticed what was happening, I was already on the floor, the only thing I know is that I fell into the hands of my boss. By the time I landed back on the seat, I opened my eyes, and Craig was in front of me, looking at me with shock and fear.

"I am fine, I am fine. I kept saying, while I heard Sandra say.

"I had wanted to say it before, but now, it has been confirmed, you look really.....

"Sick". I cut her from saying what she wanted to say.

Yes I know I look sick, that was why I didn't want to come in the first place, but thank you all, I am fine. I need water, and air". I said, so they could leave. I didn't even know how the conference came to an end. I won the presentation, but Jade received the medal, he was very happy, while my fears increased. if Sandra get to say that word to Jade or Craig, I would be doomed.