Ruby Anderson sat at her office desk, flipping through reports and budgets with a furrowed brow. The sun had barely risen over the city, but her mind was already swimming in numbers, strategies, and pressure. Her mother had trusted her to take over Anderson Tactical Solutions — and Ruby was determined to prove she was worthy of that trust.
"Miss Anderson," her secretary, Lisa, entered with a tablet in hand, "you might want to see this."
Ruby looked up. "What is it?"
Lisa handed her the tablet, showing a live news broadcast. On-screen stood a man in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, speaking at a press conference. His dark hair was effortlessly styled, his features sharp yet approachable, his golden-brown eyes gleaming with quiet confidence. Cameras flashed around him as reporters hung onto every word.
"…Mr. Leon Valen, CEO of LV Industries, announced today that his company is seeking to form a partnership with a tactical gear manufacturer specializing in protective equipment, including bulletproof materials and advanced body armor," the reporter narrated.
Ruby's eyes widened. "LV Industries…"
The camera zoomed in on Leon's smile as he addressed the crowd.
"We're looking for innovation, integrity, and a shared vision for safety and advancement," Leon said smoothly. "We want to partner with a company that doesn't just manufacture protective wear — but dares to push boundaries."
The reporter continued, "With LV Industries being the world's largest weapons and defense manufacturer, this partnership could be worth billions, elevating any company that secures it to international prominence."
Ruby set the tablet down slowly, feeling her pulse quicken. This was no ordinary partnership. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Her mother's voice echoed in her mind: "Running a company means taking bold steps, Ruby. Don't just protect the legacy. Build it."
Ruby stood. "Lisa, get the team. We're entering this competition."
"Right away, Miss Anderson!"
Within hours, the boardroom filled with engineers, designers, and analysts. Ruby stood at the head of the table, her dark blue hair catching the sunlight as determination lit her grey eyes.
"We're not the biggest company vying for this," she began, "but we're the smartest. I want ideas. Designs. Solutions no one else would dare propose. If Leon Valen wants innovation — we'll show him innovation."
Her team nodded, scribbling notes, throwing out ideas.
For the next few days, Ruby barely slept, pouring over prototypes, testing materials, crafting a presentation that balanced boldness with practicality.
She caught a glimpse of Leon again on the news — attending charity galas, speaking at tech conferences, shaking hands with presidents. The media called him a visionary. A genius. A celebrity CEO with charm, wit, and the golden touch.
"He's like a legend himself," Ruby murmured one evening, watching him laugh on-screen during an interview. "No wonder the world's obsessed with him."
But deep inside, she felt an odd pull she couldn't explain. As if… she'd heard his laughter somewhere before.
Don't be silly, she told herself. He doesn't even know you exist.
And yet, as the submission deadline approached, Ruby worked harder than ever.
Not just to win the contract.
But to prove — to herself, to her mother, to everyone — that she belonged here. That she could make her company reach the heights of success.
To be Continued...