chapter 4
1221 Words
A LINE CROSSED
“Try this one,” the sales associate suggested, holding up a sleek black dress to Ava.
She smiled politely, after a long, frustrating week, a little shopping couldn’t hurt. She took the dress and disappeared into the fitting room.
Coming out of the fitting room, she looked into the mirror to see that the gown hugged her figure just right.
“Looks great on you,” a familiar voice said behind her.
Ava spun around, to see leaning casually against the doorframe, Edward Connor.
“Edward,” she said, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged, “Guilty. My sister dragged me in for something. She said this place was the last resort when you can’t figure out what to buy.”
Ava chuckled. “Sounds like my kind of shop.”
Edward grinned. “So, what do you think? The dress suits you.”
“I wasn’t expecting to find anything today, but... it’s not bad, I like it.”
“You look stunning in it.”
“Thanks.”
"So, now that I’ve found you, how about lunch? I’ve been wanting to talk."
"Lunch? Now?"
"Why not?" Edward said, smiling. "Unless you’re too busy?"
She glanced at the sales lady, who was carefully boxing up her dress. "Fine," she said with a sigh. "But it’ll have to be quick."
The café was small but had an upscale feel, Ava sipped her iced tea while Edward leaned back in his chair, relaxed.
"Your family’s making moves," he said,
Ava raised an eyebrow. "What moves?"
"The renewable energy thing. Word is, it’s going to put you right up against the Greenes. Big stakes."
She set down her glass, her face neutral. "We’re ready. Competition’s nothing new."
Edward grinned. "Everyone knows the Moreaus and Greenes have been circling each other for years. And now you’re stepping onto their turf."
She folded her arms. "What’s your point?”
He leaned in a little, his expression turning more serious. “Come on, Ava. I’ve been following your work. That renewable energy project you’re leading? It’s impressive. You’re juggling a lot, though. I can see it. You’ve got a business to run, you're going toe-to-toe with the Greenes... it can’t be easy.”
“What’s your point, Edward?”
“I respect you, Ava, more than I’ve probably let on, however, running a company, managing everything... you don’t have to do it all on your own.”
“I can handle it,” she said firmly, “you have nothing to be worried about.”
“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”
“What exactly are you offering?”
Edward stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “I want to help. Not just with business, but... everything.”
Ava swallowed, processing his words. She wasn’t used to this kind of offer, especially from someone like Edward.
“Why?” she asked, her voice quieter.
Edward seemed to hesitate before responding. “I’ve been watching you for a while, Ava, seeing how hard you work, how you push yourself. And I don’t want to see you burn out. So, I’m offering help. Whatever you need.”
Ava’s breath caught. This wasn’t the conversation she expected today.
“Edward, I have a lot going on. I'm not sure I'm ready to make any form of commitment ”
Edward smiled gently, understanding. “I get it. But I’m not asking for anything in return. I just want to help. Whatever it takes.”
She nodded, “Let’s talk some other time, I’ve got to go now.”
“Alright. Bye Ava.”
At the office, there was so much activity ongoing with the renewable energy project that was coming up. Ava entered the project room, to see her engineers working on the prototype.
“How’s it going?”
Dr. Reed looked up, “We’re close, but the conductivity tests still aren’t passing under higher loads. The software and hardware aren’t syncing perfectly.”
Ava’s frustration bubbled up. “So it’s not working yet.”
“Not yet,” Reed admitted. “We’re at 84% efficiency, but we need 90% under stress conditions.”
She crossed her arms, trying to keep her composure. “Not good enough. If this demo fails, we’ll lose everything. The Greenes will use it against us, and I can’t let that happen.”
Reed nodded. “We’ll get it right. I’ll reallocate resources and make sure we hit that target.”
“Make sure you do,” Ava said firmly. “I need results. Keep me updated.”
As she turned to leave the room, her assistant, Lila, approached. “PR needs approval for tomorrow’s press release,” she said, holding out a tablet. “And logistics is asking if you want to fast-track production after the demo.”
Ava scanned the tablet briefly. “Tell logistics to be ready, but no commitments until we’re sure the demo works. I’ll review the press release after we have the next test results.”
Lila nodded and made a quick note. “Also, Edward Connor called again. He said it’s urgent.”
Ava’s jaw tightened at the mention of Edward. “I’ll call him back later,” she said, brushing past Lila. “Right now, I have bigger problems.”
The next hours were a blur of last-minute correction, the pressure of the demo loomed like a storm cloud, but Ava did not let her nerves show.
“Keep pushing,” she told her team.
Then it was time for the presentation of the demo, the prototype worked - barely - but it was enough to meet expectations.
Afterward, Ava stepped off the stage, her phone ringing in her pocket. It was Edward again.
“Congrats on the demo,” his text read. “You were amazing.”
“Thanks.” she sent a text back to him.
Julian sat in the back of the crowded conference room, his eyes fixed on Ava as she took the stage. He watched the way she masked her nerves behind her professional demeanor.
Julian was there to observe, to gauge if this new project was something to worry about. As Ava launched into her presentation, the room quieted, he could tell she wasn’t just selling the project - she was selling herself.
He watched as the team demonstrated the prototype. Once the presentation was over and the room started to empty, Julian slipped out quietly and made his way to his car. He had a message to send.
At the Greene family offices, Jonathan was in a meeting when a text came in, it was from Julian.
“Watch the demo. Ava’s more focused than ever. They barely made the 90% efficiency target, but she’s pushing through. You need to keep an eye on her - this project could shake things up. I’d suggest we start getting ahead of it before it gets out of hand.”
He quickly typed a response.
“Thanks for the update, let’s see what happens next. Keep me posted if anything changes.”
-
That night, Jonathan sat in his study, reviewing reports and strategizing, when a text came in from Ava.
Ping!
“Thanks for the encouragement earlier. It’s not over yet, but I think we might have a shot.”
- Writer
