You are my secret

The unexpected Assist

The client’s office was exactly what you’d expect from a company that sold high-end luxury watches: polished marble floors, a massive chandelier in the lobby, and an actual waterfall wall.

I was too busy wondering how much it cost to keep water running indoors all day when Kellen’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“Stay close,” he said quietly as we walked toward the conference room.

“Because I might get lost in the wilderness of their luxury interior design?” I whispered back.

“Because I might need you,” he replied without looking at me.

The conference room was already full — the client’s team on one side of the table, ours on the other. I took the seat next to Kellen, doing my best impression of someone who belonged here and not like someone mentally cataloging the cost of the chairs.

The presentation started smoothly. Kellen spoke with that calm, confident tone that made people lean in. He ran through market analysis, sales projections, and brand positioning like he’d been rehearsing it since birth.

Then it happened.

One of the client’s executives — a man with an expensive watch and an expression that said I’m here to be difficult — interrupted.

“These numbers are interesting,” he said, “but I’m concerned your marketing team doesn’t understand our target audience. Luxury buyers don’t respond to generic campaigns.”

All eyes turned to Kellen. Instead, he turned to me.

“Miss Rivers,” he said smoothly, “why don’t you address that?”

My brain screamed WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? but my mouth said, “Of course.”

I took a breath. “You’re right — luxury buyers don’t respond to generic campaigns. That’s why our approach focuses on exclusivity. We’d position your product as something not everyone can have, targeting aspirational buyers through invitation-only previews, high-profile influencer placements, and partnerships that elevate your brand above competitors. It’s not about reaching everyone — it’s about making the right people feel like they’ve found something rare.”

The room went quiet for a moment. Then the difficult man gave a small nod. “Interesting. I like that.”

I sat back, trying not to let my relief show.

When the meeting ended and the clients left, Kellen leaned toward me. “Good work.”

“Was that your plan? To throw me into the deep end just to see if I could swim?” I whispered.

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “And you didn’t just swim. You impressed them.”

For some reason, his approval felt better than it should have.

Which was dangerous.

Because I had a feeling he knew exactly what he was doing.