Sara set the tablet down on the polished conference table, leaning back in her leather chair as a quiet sigh of relief escaped her lips.
"I'm glad the meeting with Mr. Zarino went so smoothly," she said, a genuine smile softening her features. "I still remember spotting him at that business gala a year ago, surrounded by people, looking every bit the untouchable legend. His name alone felt too big for me to even dream of introducing myself."
Luca, standing near the window with his hands in his pockets, turned to her with a warm, proud glint in his eyes. He crossed the room in a few relaxed strides and rested a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving it an encouraging pat.
"Well, now you've not only met him, you left him impressed," he said fondly. "The way you walked him through that initial draft, he couldn't take his eyes off the projections. So be proud of yourself, Sara."
She felt the warmth of his palm through her blazer. A smile tugged at her lips as she glanced up at him.
