It's Only You

CHAPTER FIVE: The Meeting

I stood in front of the Clayton Cooperation building, clutching my portfolio like it held my entire future. The towering glass structure glinted in the sunlight. It was modern, commanding, and intimidating. It wasn’t just a company. It was an empire.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside. The receptionist smiled and gestured toward the elevator. “12th floor. Fashion division.”

I had assumed I would be meeting directly with the CEO. Still, I nodded, adjusted my blazer, and stepped into the lift.

When the doors opened, I was met by a woman in her mid-thirties. She led me to the head of the fashion division. I entered the office and met a young woman who looked around my age. She was graceful, composed, and clearly someone who owned every room she walked into.

“Amara Daniels?” the woman asked with a firm handshake. “I’m Selena Clayton. Head of Fashion Development.”

Clayton. The surname hit me like a spark. She must be related to the CEO.

Selena gestured to the sleek boardroom. “Please, come in. We have been watching your work. Your aesthetic aligns with the bold direction our brand is moving toward.”

As I opened my portfolio and began walking through my vision, I could feel Selena studying me not just work but my demeanour, my voice, and my presence.

By the end of the meeting, Selena closed the folder and smiled. “I won’t lie. We have already reviewed five design firms. None of them understood our direction. You, however you are impressive. I will be honest we don’t hand out projects easily. But I think you are exactly what we are looking for.”

My heart skipped.Selena continued, “The job is yours, Ms Daniels. Effective immediately.”

I blinked, stunned. “Just like that?”

Selena’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “I don’t believe in dragging out decisions when the right one is standing in front of me. You are the kind of mind we want shaping the future of this division.”

I tried to steady my voice. “Thank you. Truly.”

“And,” Selena added, “You didn’t meet the CEO today because Zane Clayton only steps in once a project proves it’s worth his time. He doesn’t work at the base of the empire. If this goes well, you will meet him soon enough.”

That settled into my chest like a silent promise. I left the building, feeling like I was walking towards something great.