Vanessa adjusted the strap of her bag for the third time before entering into Drake Enterprises' glass building.
This was it. Her first day.
She had pictured this moment countless times'walking into a powerful company, shaking hands with executives, finally proving she was more than just a beautiful resume. But her imaginations didn't prepare her for the reality of it.
The lobby was enormous. Marble floors gleamed under crystal lights. People in well tailored suits moved with precision, voices low, footsteps sharp. No one looked unsure or nervous,except her.
"Vanessa Smith?" the receptionist asked with a polite smile.
"Yes," she replied, hoping her voice didn't betray the tiny tremor in her chest.
"Mr. Alexander is expecting you in the boardroom on the twenty-third floor."
Expecting you.
Those words made her stomach tighten.
The elevator ride felt longer than it was. When the doors slid open, she stepped into a quiet corridor lined with glass walls and minimalist art. At the end of it was a boardroom.And inside:Alexander Drake.
He sat at the head of the long table, sleeves perfectly tailored, hair slicked back, jaw sharp enough to cut glass. He didn't look up immediately. He finished reading the document in front of him.
"Ms. Smith," he said at last, lifting his gaze to hers.
His eyes were darker. Observant. Assessing.
"I've reviewed your portfolio. Impressive I must say."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Let's see if you can deliver under pressure."
There it was.
Vanessa stepped forward. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe I could."
One of his brows lifted slightly,not amused, not offended. Just… interested.
"Confidence," he said, leaning back in his chair, "is useful. Results are better."
For the next thirty minutes, he dissected her ideas like a surgeon. He didn't interrupt rudely,but he didn't let anything slide either.
"Why this demographic?" "Where's your data source?" "What's the contingency plan if engagement drops?"
Each question hit fast.But Vanessa didn't crumble.
She answered. Calm. Clear. Precise.
By the end of it, the room felt charged.
Alexander steepled his fingers and studied her.
"You're not as fragile as you look."
Not a compliment. Not an insult either.
"I don't break easily," she replied.
Something flickered in his expression.
"Good," he said. "You'll need that here."
As she walked out of the boardroom, her heart was pounding — not from fear.
From challenge.
"I'll prove him wrong," she whispered to herself.