The boardroom was alive with quiet murmurs as executives gathered for the quarterly presentation. Crystal glasses gleamed on polished tables, laptops hummed softly, and the scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air.
Aria Vale entered with calm precision, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. Every eye followed her — some with curiosity, some with admiration, and one with barely contained malice. Vivienne Wynn sat strategically at the far end of the room, a forced smile on her face.
Today, Vivienne planned a bolder move. A set of documents critical to the presentation had been subtly altered, designed to make Aria appear incompetent when the figures didn't match the client's expectations.
Aria sensed the irregularity immediately as she reviewed the files. Her eyes flicked to the top corner, where a tiny, almost imperceptible mark betrayed Vivienne's handiwork. She allowed herself a slight smirk. So predictable.
As she began the presentation, her voice was steady, measured, and commanding. "Good afternoon, everyone. I'd like to start by highlighting our centerpiece collection. As you can see, each piece is designed to merge elegance with strength, ensuring maximum market impact."
Vivienne's trap came into play as she expected: a client raised a question about a figure that had been manipulated. A flicker of surprise crossed the room — but Aria was already prepared. With calm authority, she addressed the discrepancy, correcting it seamlessly and providing context that impressed the board.
Lucien Kane, standing at the side, observed every move. His dark eyes followed her every gesture, every word. He felt a growing admiration — a protective instinct he could barely acknowledge. No one undermines her without consequence, he thought, fingers curling slightly around his tablet.
When the presentation ended, applause filled the room. Aria offered a subtle nod, her expression composed, hiding the satisfaction of a battle won. Vivienne, on the other hand, clenched her fists under the table, fury flashing in her eyes.
"You handled that brilliantly," Lucien said quietly as they stepped into a private hallway afterward. His voice carried a weight of both admiration and concern. "I could see what she was trying to do, yet you… you made it look effortless."
Aria tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Experience teaches you to expect the unexpected."
He stepped a little closer, his presence imposing yet protective. "Some people… they don't know how dangerous they are until they face someone like you."
Her heart fluttered at his words, but she held her expression calm, professional, untouchable. "Danger isn't always visible, Mr. Kane. Sometimes, it's just patience and observation."
He studied her closely, sensing the layers beneath the polished exterior, the strength beneath the grace. "I have a feeling, Aria… I haven't seen anything yet."
From across the hall, Vivienne's glare followed them, green eyes burning with hatred. She will pay for this… and Lucien will see who's really worthy of his attention, Vivienne vowed silently.
Aria walked forward, chest held high, every step deliberate. The games have begun, she thought. And I intend to win.