ap of her pen as she scrolled through the presentation deck she was preparing. She'd been working on the new campaign for weeks, but now, knowing Adrian would be in the meeting, her confidence waver

e said firmly. "The data supports this approach. The current brand image is outdated, and staying the course would be a greater risk in the long term." Adrian's lips twitched as if he were suppressing a smile. "Bold," he said. "But boldness isn't always rewarded in this industry. I'd suggest refining the strategy to include a contingency plan." The meeting ended with mixed reactions. Some colleagues praised her creativity, while others echoed Adrian's cautious stance. Elena left feeling both vindicated and frustrated. A Heated Exchange Later that evening, Elena found herself alone in the break room, nursing a cup of tea. The office was mostly empty, but footsteps behind her made her tense. "I didn't mean to discourage you," Adrian's voice came from the doorway. She turned to see him leaning casually against the frame, his tie slightly loosened and his hands in his pockets. He looked less like the intimidating CEO and more like a regular guy-though no less handsome. "You could've fooled me," she shot back. He chuckled, stepping inside. "You're talented, Elena. That much is obvious. But you're also stubborn." "And you're not?" Adrian tilted his head, conceding the point. "Touché. But stubbornness can be an asset when directed properly. I wasn't criticizing your idea; I was challenging you to make it stronger." Elena crossed her arms, eyeing him warily. "Is that your leadership style? Tear people down to build them back up?" His smile faded, and he looked at her seriously. "I push people because I see their potential. The question is whether you're willing to rise to the occasion." For a moment, the room was silent except for the hum of the vending machine. Elena held his gaze, her heartbeat quickening. There was something disarming about his honesty, s