#THE_SACRIFICE
EPISODE 13
*ACROSOFT CONFERENCE ROOM*
Jake walked into the conference room for the long anticipated shareholders meeting for the initiation of his new project.
He looked around and he could re-ad the expression on the faces of each shareholder.
This would be his first meeting as the CEO of Acrosoft Inc. He could feel the burden on his shoulders in his first week, but he couldn’t avoid his destiny. The company was built on his grandfather’s blood and sweat, and his father has invested his life in it before he died. Now it was his turn to lead the company even though he had served as the president after his father’s death.
“Good day CEO” The shareholders greeted as soon as he walked into the board room. Jake was the youngest CEO since the inception of the company, but he was duly respected.
Jake took his seat at the head of the round conference table. “Good day everyone, we all know why we are gathered here. We are here to discuss and approve a new project that I think will be highly beneficial to the company” Jake said before signalling his secretary, Patrick, to share the do¢v-ments he had prepared amidst the shareholders.
“The do¢v-ments before you shows the idea for a new project ‘ProGuard’. This will be a major anti-hacking security software that prevents every game, phone and computer out there from being hacked. Looking at the changing trend of mobile game hacking, which is characterized by indiscriminately hacking using automated hacking tools since the early days when only popular games are hacked. That is because hackers alre-ady have a complete un-derstanding of the app structure, thus additional hacking attempts can be led frequently. That’s why we’ll be creating our newest project ProGuard. It will provide a comprehensive and dynamic solution that surpas-ses anything commercially available in the realm of video games security today. This will be a software that promote fair pla-ying and reduces harras-sment. It will be designed to detect software used for cheating as well as isolate cheaters and prevent them from disrupting legitimate games” Jake paused to scan the looks on the faces of every shareholder seated there. And from the look of it, not every one member was buying into his idea but the majority was in his favour. He was confident of receiving 100% support of the share holders at the end of the meeting. He continued…
“But how is this different from any game anti-hacking program out there” a powerful female voice echoed throu-gh the room as soon as she walked into the conference room, while every b©dy turned to look at her as she elegantly swayed her way to a seat at the table. She looked as beautiful as she has always been, not a single day older. Her perfect skin glow and ageless face tells you how much she invests on her skin care.
She gave a polite bow to the shareholders, “Sorry for being late” She said before turning to Jake with a meaningful smile, ma-king Jake glare at her lightly.
It would seem she has returned to make trouble for him, but he wasn’t surprised, after all that was her forte.
Jake had to hold himself from snapping at her because he was greatly irritated by this woman—Hillary Beau or rather Hillary Woods as she was called on screen. He has always wondered why his father had married her, but that wasn’t the issue at hand as he redirected his focus back to his meeting.
“ProGuard is a 100 steps ahead of the typical antihacking game security programs out there. Yes it was initially designed for gaming but it actually protect more than that. It protects your phone, computers, CCTV and every other gadgets out there connected to the internet. It’s ideal for internet users as it protects your computer’s data from hackers. Thus reducing the rate of cyber crime in society. ProGuard is definitely more than a just a game enhancer, it’s the future of internet security”
A hand could be heard cl@pping singly before others joined after Jake finished his speech.
“Proguard. An antihacking security software? What about our other security programs? Don’t they do the same thing?” Hillary asked tilting her head in Jake’s direction after the cl@pping died down.
“But they function separately. According to the CEO, this will be like a multi-purpose software that protects more than just a game, but every thing else” A shareholder answered. It would seem that Hillary’s intention to oppose Jake’s idea was been well observed by those seated at the table.
“That’s a brilliant idea and I think we should go with it. After all CEO Jake has led even more brilliant ideas that has brou-ght hvge success. So I believe in his capabilities to do something even better than before” Another Shareholder added while the others nodded in concurrence with the exception of Hillary Beau who just flashed a stiff smile.
Jake was not surprised by the shareholders decision. Their sole interest has always been about ma-king more money and he was helping them do just that.
The meeting continued for another half an hour before is was concluded.
Jake was both happy and nervous at the same time. This project must surely be a success. He knew he has to work even ha-rder to bring his plan to fruition.
**********
“My step son has sure grown up” Hillary said behind Jake as soon as they walked out of the conference room. Jake continued in his strides without paying any attention to her.
“Did your grandfather tell you what we talked about?” Hillary asked, while Jake st©pped walking ma-king a smug smile creep on Hillary’s face.
“I heard he visited the hospital after our small conversation. Tsk, he’s becoming too weak” She added.
Jake turned at her and he was extremely pissed when he saw that smug smile on her face.
“You really do bring shame upon actors and actresses at there. Looking at you is enough for my eyes to bleed, which makes me wonder if people ever watch your movies. Oh! I guess that’s why you have the lowest screen time in all the movies you star in. Tsk, so boring.” Jake said in a ridiculing and mocking tone before turning around to head to his office.
Hillary glared at his back angrily before recomposing herself as her fake perfected smile appeared on her face as she walked out of the company. She just have to look for a way to get to him.
_____
Jake was fully engrossed working on his new project after the shareholders meeting. He was really fascinated in kicking it off as soon as possible. He had been confident in himself to successfully convince the shareholders, but he still felt extremely happy that he did at just one sitting.
Acrosoft has always been fully focused on other sofwares projects far more different from his and he knew how tricky initiating a new and risky idea could be, and even convincing the shareholders to buy into the idea was on a different level. But this was Jake Beau. His capability as the ‘king of tech’ was undeniable.
Jake was preparing for a meeting with the design and programming dep@rtment which will be held the next morning, when his secretary c@m£ knocking.
“Sir, you have a call” Jake’s secretary, Patrick informed him, as he pas-sed his phone which he had handed over to him before the meeting.
Jake smiled when he saw the conference call between his crazy friends.
“If it isn’t Mikey, Ricky, d!¢ky and Dan” He said with a broad smile as soon as he answered the call.
“It’s Nicky, Ricky, d!¢ky and Dawn man! How many times do I have to correct you?!” Rick corrected in mock anger not seeing the humour in Jake’s words.
“And you’re the d!¢ky one Jake, and we should probably get you a Dawn to pl@ywith” Mike said teasefully.
“Can you guys not always talk about women” Daniel answered from his line, ma-king the others roll their eyes.
“Because your father f0rç£d you into getting married does not mean you always have to be a kill joy. How bor-ish” Mike replied while the others laughed.
“Where’s Phil?” Jake suddenly asked. He realized it was just the four of them.
“Do you have to ask about him?” Mike asked frowning lightly.
“Why? What has he done again?” Jake asked amusedly when he heard Mike’s whining tone.
“That traitor is busy chasing after some br@zilian girl’s as-s across the country, alone!. We were supposed to do that together!” Mike said with a hurtful tone like he has been betrayed by his lover. Jake couldn’t help but laugh at him.
Jake, Mike, Rick, phil and Daniel has been friends for years. They were the typical rich br@ts who love p@rties and women. They spend money and live just for fun. It wasn’t until Jake travelled after his father’s death and Daniel was f0rç£fully married that the group of 5 began to have less fun together.
“So Jake Beau, why did you return without informing us? You really messed up man. We would have welcomed you in a grand style” Rick said.
“Yeah, you messed up man. Why would you sneak in without telling us?” Mike added feigning annoyance.
“And by a grand style you mean, with women?” Daniel asked questioningly as he c0cked a brow.
“Can someone plea-se tell me why we’re still rolling with this sadly married man. I guess married life is too boring for you and you are just looking for who to vent on right? Just tell me you miss the h0t ban-ging bodies of those pretty ladies, but your wife got you un-der lock and key” Mike tea-sed Daniel, ma-king him narrow his brows frustratedly. He would really snap Mike’s n£¢k if he was within reach.
“Shut the fv¢k up man” Daniel said pla-yfully. He had no one to blame, but his father for getting him married too soon.
“I see you rich br@ts have all day to waste doing nothing, but I’ve got a job to do” Jake said dismissively.
“Come on man, don’t be a bore. Come let’s hang out. It’s closing hours. We’ve got to chill together” Rick said.
“Yeah let’s do that. The last time we hanged out together was when we visited you and that was 2 months ago. Now you’re back, and I’ve got some clean as-s chicks to make you relax” Mike added.
“I think I’m gonna pas-s” Daniel declared.
“We’d be happy to miss you man. Go focus on your wife and I hope she pops out some babies soon. Then your life can officially become a living hell. Just so you know, you’re walking towards depression” Mike told Daniel, who just ignored him. Mike had a thing for always opposing Daniel since he got married. He couldn’t believe Daniel would betray them, and go get himself a wife.
“I don’t think I can make it” Jake said in a serious tone. He still had alot of things to finish at the office.
“Shut up! Just be there. See it as your home coming p@rty. You know the usual and plea-se don’t bring Blake along. I can’t handle that boy’s chastity” Daniel added ma-king them laugh except Jake who chuckled.
“That’s my brother. And I love his chaste as-s. He can’t be a lothario like you”
“Well said ring leader” Rick said sarcatically. “See you guys soon” Rick said before disconnecting his line.
“See you later man” Mike commented.
“Welcome back Jake” Rick added.
“Thanks” Jake replied before ending the call. He sighed as he kneaded his temples. It seems something’s are unavoidable, and one of those things are hanging out when you have a bunch of crazy friends.
***********
Jade was completely burnt out after work. All she nee-ded right now was rest and some good food. She was about logging out of the company’s system when her phone started ringing. She rummaged throu-gh her bag to find it. She smiled to herself when she saw it was Amy on the line.
“Amy Walker, this better be a good call” She said with a small smile.
“I don’t know what you mean by good call, but I wanted to ask you if you are interested in eating out” Amy said.
“I can really use some food right now. So what are we eating?” Jade asked as she picked up her bag and started walking out of the office.
“Anything at all” Amy said.
“Well I’ve been craving for some Nacho’s and banana split. And I also want to get Kelvin some Meat lovers pizza”
“Alright I’ll be at your company soon”
“I was thinking we could eat at Eddy’s. They got the best Nachos and meat lover’s pizza. So I guess I’ll be the one to come over since it’s just a few blocks from your company” Jade suggested.
“Alright, call me when you get here”
“Sure” Jade said before disconnecting the call. It seems she has to make her way to Acrosoft.
WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 14