Aria POV
The conference room outside the investor hall buzzed with quiet conversations.
Representatives from the shortlisted fashion brands waited for their turn to present.
Some were seasoned designers.
Others were CEOs of well-established fashion houses.
Lily adjusted the collar of my white blazer and smiled.
"You look confident."
I smiled back.
"I've learned to hide my nerves."
Margaret chuckled.
"That's what every successful CEO does."
I took a deep breath and looked around the room.
Five years ago, I had served customers in a bistro.
Today, I was here to compete against the biggest names in the fashion industry.
I wasn't afraid.
I had worked too hard to be intimidated now.
---
A few seats away, several executives from different companies were engaged in conversation.
