he boardroom was immaculate, with polished wood and gleaming glass reflecting the city skyline. Execut

reathe steadily. This was it-her chance to prove

n effortless authority. He took his seat at the head of the long ta

the AdVance merger," he announced, his voice firm and co

ting the newcomer to take center stage. Swallowing her nerves,

explained the interactive campaign and community engagement initiatives, she noticed some s

Harding, cleared his throat. "This approach is... unconventional. Are we not r

ion has been stagnant for years. If we want to revitalize it, we need to speak to a

but before he could respond, Alexande

ly couldn't help the surge of pr

on requires bold moves. We're not here to maintain

ence further objections, and the exe

thers filed out, discussing the strategy in hushed voices. Emil

arter,

the door closed behind the last of the executives, Al

ance well," he remarked,

knew they'd be hesitant. Ch

tening just enough to make her pulse race. "Y

xpected compliment. "I guess I've learned that

een them shifted into something almost tangible. Befor

u something,

riosity evide

w down? Just... take a break

n a hint of vulnerability. But it was gone in an

of slowing down," he repl

re was more beneath the surface. "Someti

presence overwhelming. "And what

Emily could hardly breathe. "Maybe just

nd he tilted his head slightl

anger," she replied, surprising

se. But before he could respond, his phone buzzed, breaking

said, stepping back. "Good

made her way down the hallway, her thoughts swirled with confusion and excitement. There was something

rely registering the call. His thoughts were consumed by Emily-her fierce deter

t he couldn't deny that she made him feel