Ella stood at the edge of the polished table, her heart thudding beneath the tailored jacket that felt heavier than usual. With Sophia unexpectedly detained, she had no choice but to step into the spotlight and face the high-stakes audience waiting for results.

Liam's piercing gaze met hers across the room, his emerald eyes sharp and unyielding, as if daring her to falter. The weight of his presence was almost physical, but beneath that cold exterior, Ella sensed a flicker of something more complex—interest, challenge, perhaps even respect.

She cleared her throat, fighting the swell of nerves, and launched into the data-driven narrative she’d rehearsed countless times. Each word was measured, her wit quietly threading through the technical jargon as she held the room’s attention.

When Liam interrupted, his tone clipped yet not unkind, a silent battle of intellect and will unfolded. Ella met his challenge without retreat, feeling the small rush of triumph in maintaining her composure.

As the meeting drew to a close, the tension lingered like static in the air—professional restraint shadowed by undeniable connection. Ella knew this was just the beginning of a complex game between two powerful minds and guarded hearts.