When the Tables Turn

The tension in the conference room was palpable as everyone waited for Ethan and Kate's presentation to begin. Victor sat at the head of the sleek, glass table, his presence commanding the room. Jalissa, seated a few chairs down, was poised with her notepad and pen in hand, her expression calm and professional.

Ethan and Kate entered with confident smiles, carrying a stack of materials. Ethan wore a tailored navy suit, and Kate was dressed in a cream blouse and pencil skirt. They both exuded determination, but Jalissa could sense the underlying nerves in their movements.

"Thank you, Victor, for this opportunity," Ethan began, addressing the room. "And thank you to everyone here for your time. We're excited to share a product that we believe can revolutionize the way small businesses approach logistics and inventory management."

Kate handed out sleek, branded folders to each attendee as Ethan continued. Jalissa accepted hers with a polite smile and opened it, her eyes scanning the glossy pages.

Ethan moved to the large screen at the front of the room, where a slide deck was displayed. The title read: Streamline Pro: The Future of Small Business Operations.

"Our product, Streamline Pro, is an all-in-one software designed to simplify and optimize the logistics process for small businesses," Ethan explained, clicking to the next slide. A clean, vibrant graphic appeared, showcasing the software interface. "With its intuitive design and advanced algorithms, it not only reduces operational inefficiencies but also provides real-time insights to help business owners make data-driven decisions."

He glanced at Kate, who took over seamlessly. "Streamline Pro offers features like automated inventory tracking, customizable reporting, and AI-driven demand forecasting," she said, her voice smooth. "This means small businesses can save time and resources while maximizing their profits."

Jalissa took meticulous notes, jotting down key points while keeping her expression neutral.

Ethan clicked to a slide detailing the product's market potential. "The small business sector is vast, and our research shows a significant demand for affordable and efficient logistics software. With Streamline Pro, we aim to capture 15% of this market within the first two years of launch."

He projected confidence, and the room seemed engaged. As the presentation moved into the Q&A section, Victor leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes studying Ethan.

"Are there any questions?" Kate asked, her smile bright as she scanned the room.

One of the department heads raised a hand. "You mentioned customizable reporting. How adaptable is it for businesses in niche markets, like artisanal or bespoke industries?"

Ethan nodded. "Great question. Streamline Pro's reporting system is built on a flexible framework, allowing users to select and prioritize metrics that align with their specific business needs."

Another attendee followed up. "What's the expected rollout timeline, and how do you plan to handle potential customer support challenges during the initial phase?"

Ethan answered confidently. "We anticipate a rollout within six months of securing funding. As for customer support, we've planned to establish a dedicated team that will offer 24/7 assistance for the first year."

The answers seemed to satisfy the questions, and Kate looked pleased. Victor, however, leaned forward, his fingers steepled under his chin.

"Interesting," he said, his tone measured. "What's your pricing structure, and how does it compare to competitors in the market?"

Ethan straightened, his tone firm. "Our pricing model is tiered, starting at $49.99 per month for basic features and scaling up to $199.99 for premium. Compared to competitors, we're offering a more comprehensive solution at a competitive price point."

Victor nodded, then turned his attention to Jalissa. "Jalissa, do you have any thoughts or questions?"

All eyes turned to her, and Jalissa felt the weight of their gaze. She set her pen down and looked at Ethan and Kate with a calm expression. "I do," she said. "First, I'd like to commend you on the presentation and the concept. It's clear that a lot of work has gone into Streamline Pro."

Ethan's shoulders relaxed slightly, but Jalissa wasn't finished.

"My first question is about scalability," she continued. "You mentioned targeting small businesses, but have you considered how the software will adapt as those businesses grow? Will they outgrow Streamline Pro and move to a competitor's product, or is there a plan to retain those clients as they expand?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment. "That's something we're still exploring," he admitted. "We aim to update the software regularly to meet evolving needs."

Jalissa nodded. "Fair enough. My second question is about your beta testing. Have you conducted any trials with real businesses to identify potential flaws or areas for improvement?"

Kate shifted uncomfortably. "We've done internal testing, but not with external clients yet."

"That's something I'd recommend prioritizing," Jalissa said, her tone professional. "Beta groups would give you valuable feedback and allow you to refine the product before launch."

Victor's gaze sharpened, clearly impressed, but he said nothing.

"My final question is about cost analysis," Jalissa continued. "Your pricing model is competitive, but how sustainable is it in the long run? With features like 24/7 customer support, will your profit margins remain viable? And have you considered offering add-on services instead of an all-inclusive model to give customers more flexibility?"

The room fell silent. Ethan glanced at Kate, but she had no answer. His confident facade faltered slightly.

"These are excellent points," Victor said, breaking the silence. "Jalissa, you've brought up critical considerations that will need to be addressed before moving forward."

Jalissa nodded respectfully. "Thank you. I believe in the potential of Streamline Pro, but addressing these areas will strengthen its market position."

The meeting concluded shortly after, and as the attendees filed out, Ethan caught up to Jalissa in the hallway.

"Can we talk?" he asked, his tone tight.

Jalissa hesitated but nodded, stepping aside to a quieter corner.

"Why did you do that?" Ethan demanded, his frustration evident. "Were you trying to embarrass me?"

Jalissa raised an eyebrow, her voice calm. "No, Ethan. I was helping you. Those questions needed to be asked, and the answers will help you improve your product."

"You could've gone easier," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I looked unprepared."

Jalissa sighed, her gaze steady. "Ethan, I know how hard you've worked on this. Believe it or not, I want you to succeed. Not just for yourself, but for all the time, effort, and money I invested in you back then. I believed in you then, and I still believe in you now."

Her words seemed to catch him off guard. His frustration softened into something that resembled regret. "Jalissa, I—"

Before he could finish, Kate appeared, her expression tense. "Ethan, we need to go. Now."

He glanced between Kate and Jalissa, conflicted, but ultimately followed Kate without another word.

Jalissa watched them leave, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She straightened her shoulders and walked back to her desk, determined to move forward. No matter how tangled her past with Ethan might have been, she refused to let it hold her back.

Victor passed by her desk as she settled in, offering a rare smile. "Impressive work in there, Jalissa."

"Thank you," she said with a nod. "Just doing my job."

He paused, his gaze thoughtful. "You're doing much more than that."

Jalissa smiled to herself as he walked away. For the first time in a long time, she felt completely in her element.