Alina turned and began walking toward the door. Aiden's eyes moved to the end of the sketch where she had written her name.
“Ms. Carpenter?” he called.
She stopped but didn’t turn around.
“What if I told you… this company needs more people like you?”
She turned back to face him.
"Then why don't you give me a chance to prove myself?" she said quietly. "And if I fail… I’ll leave without causing any trouble.”
There was silence.
Finally, Aiden nodded. “I’m not making this decision just because you walked in here with an interesting sketch. What I respect is your willingness to take a risk,” he said. “You can start today if you’re free… or tomorrow if you need time.”
The room went still. Alina smiled gently. No wonder Aiden had risen to the top of the design world.
Charlotte gasped. "B
