Chapter 12
Ethan Cole’s brow furrowed slightly, but just as he was about to speak, Claire Whitmore stopped him with a single glance./ She picked up the reports, her fingertip skimming over the columns of data, and in only a moment, she lifted her head, her gaze bright and steady on the older board member. “Mr. Smith, I actually conducted an in–depth analysis of these projects just last night.”
Opening the laptop in front of her, she connected it to the conference room’s large display. The screen immediately lit up with clear analytical charts–every risk point marked in red, each accompanied by a detailed contingency plan.
“For the first photovoltaic project in Indonesia, the issue lies in local policy fluctuations. I reviewed the past five years of policy documents and found that subsidy adjustments occur every year just before the rainy season. If we update our pricing model three months in advance, we can avoid 80% of the potential risk.” Her voice was calm and methodical as she pulled up a screenshot of the original policy text. “It’s clearly stated here.“}]
“For the second wind power project in Vietnam, the core problem is excess logistics costs.” Claire switched to the next chart, which displayed an optimized transport route. “I’ve contacted local port operators who are willing to grant Whitmore Group VIP access, reducing transportation costs by 12%. Here is the preliminary agreement.“}
As she spoke, she brought up the cost analysis sheet. The precise figures and clear logic had the board members nodding one after another. The old board member who had been ready with probing questions found them stuck in his throat.<
“As for the third energy storage project in Malaysia…” Claire’s eyes fell on the final report, a confident curve forming at her lips. “I recommend terminating it outright. Geological data shows a 70% probability of heavy rainfall over the next three years, and the moisture–proof standards of the storage equipment fall far short. Continued investment will only result in losses.” She displayed the geological authority’s report, the red warnings on it standing out starkly.
The room was silent for a moment before breaking into loud applause. The old board member smiled in approval. “Miss Whitmore, your analysis, is thorough! I was overthinking it.“}
Claire gave a polite nod, her expression serene. No one knew that she had stayed up past midnight several nights in a row to fully grasp these projects, channeling the same grit she’d once used to help Daniel Reed analyze markets in his startup days- only now, she was investing it in her own career.
Ethan watched her standing there, composed and radiant, his eyes filled with warmth. He knew this was the real Claire Whitmore–the pearl once dulled by love, now reclaiming her brilliance on the stage that was hers alone.
After the meeting, Ethan handed her a cup of warm water. “Thirsty? You were incredible up there.”
Claire accepted it, her fingertips brushing the comforting heat of the cup. A gentle warmth spread in her chest. “Thank you for helping me look through the data last night.”
“You’re the one with the skill.” Ethan ruffled her hair, pride in his tone. “What do you want for dinner? I’ll have the housekeeper make it.“E
The setting sun poured through the floor–to–ceiling windows, stretching their shadows long across the room.
As Ciaire gazed at the city skyline, she felt for the first time the steady, genuine warmth of standing firmly on her own two feet.
