The Ascendance

Chapter 28 - Successful

As usual, Joffiel woke up early for her work and went straight to her office. They will be having a meeting with their bosses for the final decision on which school they are going to perform the event.

“Are there any changes? Is School A our final decision for this event? Is there anyone else here who made a report to discuss their suggestion?” Jessica asked. “Now is the perfect time to present it.”

She will be the one who will discuss their decision and what steps they do to come up with that decision. Joffiel agreed that School A is the best fit for the event. She has another idea and their team will let Joffiel discuss it to their bosses.

“Yes. Let’s trust our decision. I believe that we can get through this challenge. I am here to help you if they have questions,” Joffiel assured.

“Joffiel is right. Afterall, most of us have agreed with the same decision so we need to trust our decision. The evaluation was done thoroughly and I think we have done the best we could, so we should not worry much,” Shane said.

“Alright! We can do this!” Carlo cheered to lighten up the mood of everyone.

Joffiel together with Carlo and Jessica went to the conference room. Maori, Jas and Share were left inside their office and had nothing to do but prayed that their hardship would pay off. Everyone was feeling tense and pressured by the event.

They cheered up each other while waiting for Fenril and other directors. Ashe opened the door and she did not even smile at them. The other directors sat in their designated seats. Joffiel saw Realyn glaring at her. She smiled as her response because she does not want to ruin the mood of her teammate. Carlo and Jessica also saw what Realyn did.

“Don’t mind the negativities. Always remember what I have taught you, to manage your emotions. We can do it! We just have to answer their questions properly if there are any” Joffiel whispered to Carlo and Jessica to calm them down.

Joffiel and the other two can hear the inaudible whispers of the directors with themselves, which made them feel a little more nervous. They can feel pressure and the cold air inside the room.

“Sir Fenril is coming. Don’t forget to greet him,” Drew announced as he stood up.

When Fenril arrived, all of them stood and greeted him as what Ashe said. Joffiel and Jessica sat down in front near Carlo who will start the discussions. Joffiel gave Carlo an assurance smile so he won’t be distracted by the listeners, especially Renalyn who treats them like a competitor.

Carlo started the discussion about why they decided to do the program in a school and how they will conduct surveys which will perfectly fit with the event. Before he finished his part, there were already many questions; Carlo confidently answered it all without the help of Jessica and Joffiel. Everyone who was listening seemed to be persuaded by Carlo’s report and answers to the questions that were asked to him.

After Carlo, Jessica discussed all the plans and details they came up with. She also praised Joffiel because it was her ideas after all. They just helped her expound her report more.

“Ma’am Joffiel has a new idea after the event for the school that we have chosen,” Jessica said.

“New idea again? Do you want our company to expend more funds for that project? You are wasting too much money already and then now you want to add some more burden?” Realyn interjected.

Joffiel and her team already expected these kinds of questions, especially from Realyn. They know that Realyn will somehow try to hinder them in their report. But beforehand, they have already formulated questions that can be asked by Realyn, the directors and Fenril so they are really well-prepared.

“Let her explain. Go on, please continue. Actually, I love the ideas of their team. Having Joffiel made them improve. She is just new to her position but already has that kind of mindset,” Fenril said in a proud voice.

“Well, the company will not actually expend more funds, but can gain more income if Joffiel’s idea is approved and we can assure you that, Sir Fenril,” Carlo said.

They all looked at Joffiel so she stood up and smiled at them. She explained, “After the event was done in School A, we will have an extension of the project on our physical stores. We will let the students in School B and School C have the chance of getting the promo of monthly payment. By that, we can boost our new products. If this project is approved, I know the company will be able to earn more and this can be expanded to other schools too.”

Carlo and Jessica are both nervous while Joffiel still keeps her smile after explaining her idea. Carlo saw that it made Realyn a little bit annoyed and he saw Realyn making faces while Joffiel was reporting her presentation.

“So are you saying that the more students or other professions patronize our new products, the more profit we will get?” the other Director asked. “Jessica said earlier that there will be no added interest for students and I wonder how we will profit from that?.”

“I studied all the expenses for every product and I have learned that we still have high profit even if we will just give lesser or no interest than our usual interests to other products we launched before. This way, our products will be affordable even to some students,” Joffiel explained.

“That's thoughtful of you. You even study the aspects not assigned to you. Indeed a company's hidden talent. You’re becoming an asset for the company," one of the Directors said.

“Thank you everyone for that wonderful presentation. You may now step outside as we evaluate your report,” Fenril ordered Joffiel and her team to go outside the conference room for a while. They will evaluate the plans of Joffiel's team if they push through or find a new plan.

Joffiel and the others quickly went outside. Shane saw them and immediately ran towards her teammates. She asked excitedly, "How's your presentation? Did everything go according to plans? What did Sir Fenril say to you? Did Realyn try to do something while you guys are presenting?"

"They are currently having a meeting about our final plan. Sir Fenril said that they needed to make a final evaluation for the project. I don’t know how long it will take for them to evaluate it. It is a bit thrilling for me," Jessica answered.

"How I wish they will approve it, after all we have done, especially Miss Joffiel. If they approve it, this will be our first time not to be rejected at the first presentation. I am used to being rejected anyways so nothing new for me," Carlo jokes.

Joffiel tapped Carlo's shoulder. "Don't think that way. Be inspired and always think positive and not expect that you will always fail. If you fail, use your failures as your motivation to do better on your job next time. Just like the thing that I always tell everyone of you, right? Cheer up! We can do this! I can feel that we will get this project" Joffiel motivated Carlo and everyone in her team.

Shane walked in the middle and said, “Everyone! Come here! Let us have a group hug!” They did a group hug just to lighten up their moods and mind. They are patiently waiting for the result and talking about different topics so they won't be nervous while waiting.

Ashe opened the door and emotionlessly looked at Joffiel's team giving them a sign to enter the room and it made them more nervous. While everyone is nervous, Joffiel is just acting normal and doesn't feel nervous that much. She is very certain that the report went well and their project will be approved.

"Sir Fenril is calling for you and your teammates, Joffiel. You can enter the room now," Ashe said and led them inside.

Joffiel, Carlo and Jessica stood in front of everyone inside the room again. They are observing the reaction of the directors, especially their CEO, Fenril. They can’t tell if he is amused or disappointed with their presentation.

"Well, you all did a good presentation. I was surprised that your team did well, Joffiel. Do you want to know the result?" Fenril asked.

“Yes, Sir,” Carlo said in a nervous voice. They all nodded and couldn't wait any longer for the result. Joffiel smiled again which made the other directors amazed by her, except Realyn.

She knows that Realyn doesn't want them to succeed. When they don't succeed, Realyn, together with her team, will try to get the project and cooperate with each other to come up with their best plans.

Fenril stood up and walked near them.

"Congratulations! Well done! Your project and ideas are now approved. We can start to do your tasks as soon as tomorrow. Tell Maori that she can now gather people who will join your team to work on that project. Again, congratulations!," Fenril announced.

Everyone clapped their hands for Joffiel’s team, except for Realyn. Joffiel saw Realyn grunting in a corner. She was really pissed off with Fenril’s decision. Joffiel was a little worried that Realyn might do something to ruin their project along the way.

Carlo and Jessica looked at each other and were shocked by what they heard. They can't even utter a single word. They hugged each other and got embarrassed so they quickly let go. Joffiel bowed her head and gave everyone a sweet smile.

"Thank you for considering our plans. We promise to do our best. I will not let this project fail and go to waste. With the help of my teammates, I know everything will work out well. We just need your trust in us," Joffiel said.

"I really like your confidence. The way you present and talk is really persuasive. I think you can also be assigned to the marketing or finance department, if you like. With that kind of bright mind, you can be successful in the future," one of the Directors said.

"She already had a successful plan. Actually, this plan," Drew said.

"Oh! Thank you for appreciating me. It makes me proud of my team and it makes me more inspired," Joffiel said.

After the meeting, they went to their office to announce to Shane, Maori and Jes about their good news. They are excited to tell everyone that the presentation went well and according to their plan.

"Guess what? The presentation went well!" Jessica said excitedly.

Everyone who heard what Jessica said was shocked. At first they couldn't believe that everything they worked hard for, paid off.

"Oh my! Really? So we will no longer have to work with Ma'am Realyn's team?" Maori said in a shock tone. "Finally, our hard days with them ended! I hope we never have to work with Realyn!"

Everyone laughed by Maori's statement. They all know that she meant it and it is a big relief for everyone because they will not be pressured and made fun of by Realyn and her teammates.

Joffiel started to connect with the principal of School A to announce to them that their school was the one chosen by their company to conduct their project. They said that they are already ready to start their project to prove that they are really into it.

"Everyone! Listen up! So can you guys visit me at Denver Coffee Shop? Come and join me to celebrate our grand opening. Let it be our celebration for our successful presentation. Don't worry, it's my treat," Joffiel said.

"Sure! Expect us to be there. Actually, Denver Coffee Shop is my favorite coffee shop. Their coffee and cakes are very addictive. I am so glad that there is a branch opening nearby and Miss Joffiel working there makes it a lot better," Jas said.

"That’s great! We have new cakes and I won the Denver Company's contest. I will let you guys have it later. I am so happy that things are going smoothly for me and could have not done it without you, guys," Joffiel proudly said.

"Well, you deserve all these. And I think that's interesting. I love cakes too! You are really one of a kind. You know so many things and that is what makes you special," Shane said, amazed by Joffiel's talent.

“Anyway, I think we should all get back to our work. Let’s start our preparations immediately,” Joffiel told everyone.

Everyone happily went back to their work. But Carlo approached Joffiel.

“Miss Joffiel, I just want to thank you. I don’t know what to say to you. But you are just so amazing. You said that you could have not done these things without us but we all think that it is the other way around. We could have not done these things without you, Miss Joffiel,” Carlo said then left.

Joffiel was very inspired with what Carlo told her. Her spirit was once more uplifted by his thankful words.

After Joffiel's work at Azazel Company, she went straight to Denver Coffee Shop. She needs to be there early because of the grand opening of their shop. She has to check every corner of the shop to make sure that they are already well-prepared for the opening. They are expecting lots of customers this day.

Jayden was already waiting for Joffiel. "Change your clothes now," Jayden commanded.

"Yes, Sir Jayden!" Joffiel said.

Joffiel got her new uniform and immediately changed her outfit. She noticed that she has a different uniform. Maybe because I am the manager? Joffiel thought to herself.

They made sure that all things were done. The cakes are already displayed beside the cashier counter. All the machines are all operating and the tables are clean and organized.

"We are ready!" Joffiel said with positivity.

"This shop is more organized and looks so fancy than the other branch. I like what your team did. Keep up the good work!" Jayden praised Joffiel and her team.

"Ma'am Joffiel is really hands on when it comes to work. She really deserves being a manager," Andrew interjects.

"That's what I like about her," Jayden said while smiling.

Before other staff teased them, Joffiel went to the back door to welcome Jayden's parents and his friends Samuel and Jopphia. She greeted them as a form of respect.

They do not use the front door because of the ribbon attached to it for later. Jayden and his parents are going to cut the ribbon for the opening of the coffee shop.

"That's very kind of you, Joffiel. Don't get tired smiling, it makes the customers patronize this branch more. Having a good manager makes them interested," Jopphia said.

"I will take note of that, Madam Jopphia," Joffiel said.

She assisted them to their reserved seats. They are one hour earlier for the grand opening.

"Do you want some drinks?" Joffiel asked.

"No, we are fine. We will wait for the grand opening before ordering," Samuel said while smiling at Joffiel.

Joffiel nodded and went back to the kitchen to check their Cooks. They have a menu that can be prepared the same day so that it is freshly baked.

After one hour, the grand opening started by cutting the ribbon. Joffiel didn't expect their shop to be crowded on the first day. So this is the impact of Denver Company to the customers? They really like this coffee shop. Joffiel thought again to herself.

She waved her hand upon seeing her workmates at Azazel Company. She went there to assist them for a short period of time. She has a lot to handle so she cannot entertain them much.

She also saw Keidi and immediately served their free cake and coffee for the first twenty customers. Joffiel made twenty one and paid the other one for Keidi. She knows that Keidi will go there. After her work, they will discuss how Keidi will work for her.

"Wait for me later. Shane brought the car my company provided because I still don't know how to drive. I will let you start today. Can you wait for me?" Joffiel asked Keidi.

"Sure thing. After eating this, I will wait for you outside," Keidi answered .

"Don't worry, the shop will close early after we sold out all the food and coffee we prepared," Joffiel assured.

Joffiel and her team finished their work early. All of their products were sold out. Andrew checked the feedback wall and called Jayden to check it also. The customers had good feedback, especially the cakes that Joffiel made.

"Congratulations to us! Job well done, guys!" Jayden said, extremely satisfied with the result of the grand opening.

"Congratulations!" Joffiel gratefully said.

After Joffiel changed her clothes again, she saw Jayden beside the counter. He smiled at her so she bowed her head as a sign of respect.

"Is the guy you spoke with earlier your boyfriend?" Jayden unexpectedly asked Joffiel about an unrelated topic with her work.

"No, no! He is my driver. I want to help him find a job so I hired him as my driver," Joffiel explained.

"Okay. Just asking," Jayden said and felt embarrassed about his question.