pped through the final draft of her campaign proposal. Her fingers trembled slightly, though she forced hersel

room, watching her every move. His critiques had become sharper over the past weeks, but there was also a strange duali

k, kn

by her desk, her usual bright smile in

e," Hazel replied, her t

Don't let Liam intimidate you. He's always

o make me feel bett

. "Trust me. Y

Clara walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling t

-

und the long table. Liam sat at the head, his sharp suit and calm demeanor exuding authority. His eyes met hers

as she set up her presentat

eady as she highlighted the research, the projected outcomes, and the creative elements she had develope

before Clara spoke up. "That was excellent, Haze

but Hazel's attention shifted to Liam. He leane

said finally. "But it

rt sank. "M

Emotion. The campaign is polished, but it doesn't connect on

as right. She had been so focused on perfection that

m. "The concept is solid, and I can refin

irk. "Good. I'll expect the update

ials, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. She had worked tireless

leave, Liam's v

az

ping the folder

he said, his t

e unexpected praise. "Could'

take it personally. Perfectio

, I wouldn't feel like I bombed," Hazel shot

nd almost genuine. "Noted. Nex

t help the small smile tugging at

-

, seeking solace in the quiet hum of the city. The lights of The Golden Bridge

er nerves. The presentation had gone better than she'd initi

night

tanding a few feet away, his hands

ople like this?" she asked, h

y're plotting my downfall," h

ng back to the water. "What

said, stepping closer. "Try

"What do you need to make sense of? You're t

y vulnerable. "That's the thing about appe

l saw a glimpse of the boy she used to know-quiet

so hard?" she aske

k replaced by something more serious. "Beca

nsincerity. But all she found was honesty-a ra

said finally,

rned to leave. As he walked away, Hazel couldn't help but feel that, fo

at made him easier to und