Chapter 9- Shinning everywhere
1603 Words
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*Chapter 9*
“Come in.”
The door opened and Caleb stepped inside, carrying a thick project file under one arm.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning, Caleb. Have a seat.”
“No, thank you, sir. I’ll only take a moment.”
Damien nodded and set his pen down.
“So, how did the NovaTech project turn out?”
Caleb handed over the file. “The assignment you gave us has been completed, sir. We finished it ahead of schedule.”
Damien accepted the folder and began flipping through the pages. The designs were clean, well-organized, and clearly the result of careful teamwork. He studied several of the branding concepts in silence before looking up.
“You all did an excellent job.”
A small smile of relief crossed Caleb’s face. “Thank you, sir. The team worked very hard.”
Damien closed the file and rested his hand on top of it.
“The CEO of NovaTech will be visiting tomorrow. He wants to review the proposal in person. I want your department to present the designs yourselves.”
Caleb straightened. “Understood, sir.”
Damien paused, as if considering something.
“I want you… and the lady who coordinated the project.”
Caleb’s brows lifted slightly. “Miss Wren Carter, sir?”
“Yes. Both of you will handle tomorrow’s presentation.”
Caleb’s smile returned, more confident this time.
“Thank you for the opportunity, sir. We won’t disappoint you.”
“I’m counting on that.”
Caleb gave a respectful nod. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to work.”
Damien had already picked up another file and appeared focused on it.
“That’s all.”
Once the door closed, the office fell quiet again. Damien leaned back in his chair and slowly turned the pen between his fingers. A faint, almost private smile touched his lips.
“We’ll finally meet tomorrow,” he murmured. “My little tigress.”
*Design Department*
The moment Caleb walked back into the department, every head turned.
“Team Leader!”
“How did it go?”
“Did the CEO like our work?”
Caleb set the file on his desk and allowed himself a small smile.
“He did.”
Cheers broke out immediately.
“I knew we’d nail it!” Liam declared, pumping a fist.
Mr. Frank chuckled. “I told you all that hard work would pay off.”
Caleb raised a hand for quiet. The room settled at once.
“I have another announcement.”
“The CEO of NovaTech will be visiting tomorrow. He wants us to present the project ourselves.”
Excited murmurs filled the air.
Liam’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”
“Yes.” Caleb turned toward Wren’s desk. “Miss Wren.”
She looked up. “Sir?”
“The CEO specifically requested that you join me during tomorrow’s presentation.”
Wren blinked. “Me?”
“Yes. You coordinated the entire project. You’re the best person to explain our ideas.”
Her heart gave a small, nervous jump.
“I’ll… I’ll do my best.”
Mr. Frank smiled proudly.
“It seems the CEO has taken quite a liking to you, Miss Wren.”
The office erupted in laughter. Wren joined in and dramatically flipped her long hair over one shoulder.
“Well… of course. My light shines wherever I go.”
Liam pointed at her.
“Someone please reduce this woman’s confidence before it becomes a safety hazard!”
Wren folded her arms.
“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, Liam.”
“I’ll remember that tomorrow when you’re nervous.”
“I won’t be nervous,” she said, lifting her chin. “I’ll impress everyone.”
*Later That Afternoon*
Once the excitement died down, the office returned to its usual rhythm. Caleb clapped his hands to gather everyone’s attention.
“Alright. Celebration’s over. Tomorrow’s presentation is important. Let’s make sure everything is perfect before we leave today.”
“Yes, sir!” the team answered in unison.
He turned to Wren.
“Miss Wren, stay behind for a few minutes.”
The others began packing up, offering her quick words of encouragement on their way out.
“You’ll do great,” Liam said with a grin.
“And don’t forget us when you become the CEO’s favorite,” Zach added dryly.
Wren rolled her eyes. “As if.”
When the room was finally empty, Caleb walked over with a folder and handed it to her.
“This contains the final presentation schedule. I’ve gone through your work several times, and I have to say I’m impressed.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You coordinated the project well, but tomorrow isn’t only about good designs.” He paused.
“It’s about confidence. You’ll be speaking in front of executives from NovaTech, our own CEO, and several department heads.”
Wren swallowed. “I know.”
“You’ll be fine,” Caleb said, his tone steady and reassuring.
“Just explain the designs the same way you explained them to us. Be yourself.”
She nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
“I know you will.”
*That Evening*
Wren pushed open the apartment door with a tired sigh and dropped her handbag onto the couch.
“I’m home!”
Lyra peeked out from the kitchen wearing an apron that read _Kitchen Queen… Sometimes_.
“Welcome back, Miss Future CEO.”
Wren rolled her eyes. “Can you not start?”
Lyra walked over carrying a bowl of popcorn and wiggled her eyebrows.
“I heard someone is presenting in front of the CEO tomorrow. Our little superstar.”
Wren grabbed a handful of popcorn.
“Stop making fun of me.”
“I’m serious. You’ve been smiling since you walked in.”
“I have not.”
“You have. You even smiled while taking off your shoes.”
Wren froze. “…Did I?”
Lyra burst out laughing.
“I knew it! You’re excited.”
“I’m not excited. I’m terrified.” She flopped dramatically onto the sofa.
“What if I forget everything? What if I faint? What if I accidentally call the CEO ‘Uncle’?”
Lyra nearly choked on her popcorn. “Uncle?”
“I don’t know! My brain is already malfunctioning.”
Lyra laughed so hard she had to wipe her eyes.
“Okay, enough panicking. Go get your laptop. We’re rehearsing.”
A few minutes later the living room had turned into a makeshift conference room. Lyra sat on the couch with one leg crossed over the other, holding the TV remote like a microphone.
“Good morning, everyone. I am Mr. Richard, CEO of NovaTech.” She deepened her voice to a ridiculous degree.
“We are here to determine whether your company deserves our partnership.”
Wren couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Lyra!”
“What? I’m acting professionally.”
“You sound like a villain.”
“I am the scary CEO. Now begin.”
Wren cleared her throat and stood in front of the television with her laptop.
“Good evening—”
“Rejected.”
“What?”
“The meeting is tomorrow morning.”
“Right.” Wren scratched her head and tried again.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Wren Carter, and today I’ll be presenting—”
Lyra raised a hand. “Excuse me.”
“Yes?”
“Where’s the complimentary coffee?”
Wren blinked. “What coffee?”
“You invited us here. Where’s the coffee?”
Wren threw a throw pillow at her. “Will you let me practice?”
Lyra caught it easily. “Fine. I’ll behave. Promise.”
Wren took another deep breath and began properly. She explained each design, the branding concepts, and the overall vision for NovaTech with growing confidence. When she finished, Lyra stared at her in silence for a moment.
“So… how was it?” Wren asked nervously.
Lyra stood up and began clapping dramatically.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have found the winner!”
Wren laughed. “You’re impossible.”
“No, I’m serious. You were amazing.” Then she narrowed her eyes. “But…”
“But what?”
“You smiled too much.”
“What?”
“If I were the CEO, I’d think you were trying to sell me toothpaste. You smiled during the logo explanation. You smiled during the marketing strategy. You even smiled while saying thank you.”
“I was being polite!”
“You looked like you wanted to adopt everyone in the room.”
Wren burst into laughter. “You are so annoying.”
Lyra grinned. “I know.” She walked over and gently squeezed Wren’s shoulders.
“Listen. You’ve worked so hard for this. You know the project better than anyone. Tomorrow, walk into that room with confidence. Don’t think about impressing the CEO. Just show everyone what you’re capable of.”
Wren smiled softly. “Thanks, Lyra.”
Lyra winked.
“And if the CEO turns out to be young, handsome, and single—”
Wren grabbed another pillow. “Don’t finish that sentence!”
Lyra took off running around the living room, laughing loudly.
“Imagine if he falls in love with you at first sight!”
“LYRA!”
The apartment filled with their laughter as Wren chased her best friend around the sofa. For the first time that day, the fear in Wren’s chest loosened. Tomorrow no longer felt impossible. It simply felt like another chance to prove herself.
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- Writer
