Claire's POV
I double-checked my quarterly report presentation for what felt like the hundredth time. The numbers were solid, my analysis was thorough, and I'd even practiced my delivery in front of the bathroom mirror last night until my throat went dry. But standing outside the executive boardroom, I couldn't stop fidgeting with my blazer buttons.
"Get it together, Claire," I whispered to myself. "It's just another meeting."
I took a deep breath and entered the boardroom, finding it already half-full with executives in tailored suits. My new colleague Emily gave me an encouraging nod from across the table.
"You've got this," she mouthed.
I smiled gratefully and took my assigned seat, arranging my notes meticulously. The room gradually filled with more executives until th
