Aria's second day started better.
No accidents. No flying tech. No Adrian glares—yet.
She even arrived early, sipping her coffee with pride, when Zara stormed in.
"Langley. You're presenting the intern pitch at 10."
Aria blinked. "Me? Already?"
"Trial by fire," Zara said, dropping a folder on her desk.
By 9:55, Aria was in the glass conference room, heart racing. Her team looked nervous. Darian offered her a wink from across the table. She had no idea if it was reassuring or sarcastic.
Then Adrian walked in.
Wearing all black. Looking like a CEO straight from a fashion editorial.
She fumbled with the clicker and dropped it. It bounced once. Twice. Landed squarely at his feet.
He picked it up, handed it to her without a word.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
"Let's hope you don't drop the presentation too."
She swallowed.
The lights dimmed.
Aria's voice wavered at first. But once she started, something clicked. She knew the material. She had ideas. And people were listening—even Adrian, who leaned back with a hand on his chin.
When she finished, the room was quiet for a moment.
Then Darian clapped. Zara followed. A few others joined.
Adrian stood slowly. "Passable," he said.
Aria's jaw tightened. "That's it?"
"You have potential. Keep it. Don't waste it."
He walked out.
Zara raised her eyebrows. "That was a compliment."
Darian leaned closer. "That's basically a standing ovation from him."
Later that afternoon…
Gramps called.
"Tell me you didn't hurt your boss again."
"No. I think I impressed him. Slightly."
Gramps whistled. "Might want to cancel your next blind date. What's his name?—Karan, or something?"
Aria groaned. "Gramps!"
"You can't dodge love forever."
"Watch me."
But her smile lingered.