Claudia's lips curved knowingly. "Sebastian, you've been making waves this year. Bold acquisitions, daring strategies… the kind of risks men are usually too afraid to take."
Vivienne offered a warm smile. "He works harder than anyone I know."
Claudia's gaze flicked to Vivienne, assessing, then back to Sebastian. She leaned in slightly, her voice low and deliberate. "I hear the CEO of the Year award is the talk of the town tonight. Let me assure you—" she paused, her smile sharpening like a blade hidden in silk, "—it's already yours. Lucas doesn't stand a chance in front of you."
Sebastian's brow lifted, though his eyes gleamed with interest. "That's quite a bold statement."
Claudia's laugh was soft, confident. "Bold, yes. But not unfounded. Men like you don't just deserve recognition—you require it. And I intend to see that the committee remembers where their loyalties lie."
