The conference room was spacious, with high ceilings and huge panoramic windows through which the morning light poured in. At its center stood a long oval table surrounded by chairs already occupied by investors and company leadership. Behind them were rows of seats for employees, and farther still, near the walls, stood people who had come unofficially—just to see how this would all turn out.
Auren entered with confident steps, though inside she felt tension tightening every muscle. She had chosen a strict yet elegant outfit: a tailored light beige jacket and black classic trousers that accentuated her figure. Her hair was neatly pulled back, and subtle makeup only enhanced her natural beauty. She looked composed, professional—the perfect image for a presentation.
But the moment she appeared in the doorway, a low hum ran through the room—people whispered, exchanged glances, sizing her up. Auren felt those eyes on her, yet she didn't let even a hint of embarrassment show. She took a breath and walked to the podium, where a laptop and projector were already set up, ready to begin.
Kael sat beside the investors, watching her with an expression of cold indifference. Inside, though, everything in him churned. He'd seen some staff members whispering, casting mocking glances toward Auren.
"Wow," one of them muttered quietly. "Do you think she can even handle this project?"
"We'll see," the other scoffed. "But even if she fails, it'll be a show."
Kael clenched his jaw but said nothing. He shifted his gaze to Auren. Curious—did she hear? Even if she did, her face remained serene. He continued observing her, evaluating. Now she was at the center of attention—and he, too, couldn't help but wonder how she would manage.
Meanwhile, Auren stopped before the podium, lifted her head, and scanned the audience. She took in the room in an instant: some watched with genuine interest, others with obvious skepticism. The murmurs persisted, but she tried not to pay them any mind.
Suddenly her eyes locked on Kael. He sat directly across from her, leaning slightly back in his chair, wearing an expression hard to decipher. His face was calm, almost indifferent, but something in his eyes made her throat go dry for a second. She'd expected mockery, coldness, indifference. But instead... unwavering scrutiny. No emotion. As if he had been waiting.
Seconds felt like eternity. Auren felt something click inside her, and unexpectedly, a new wave of determination ignited within. She didn't understand why. Why did that look—specifically that look—give her strength? Why, at this moment, when so many expected her to fail, did Kael's silent presence make her resolute?
There was no time to analyze now.
Auren inhaled deeply, straightened her shoulders, and spoke with confidence:
"Good morning. Let's begin."
The room fell silent.
She started the presentation, and the first slide appeared—crisp, concise, yet attention-grabbing. She looked up at the audience, sweeping her gaze across the investors, the leadership, and the colleagues.
"Today, I will present a marketing strategy that will help our brand reach the next level," she began confidently, her voice steady and without a hint of doubt.
Key figures, market analysis, comparative statistics appeared on the screen. Auren didn't merely read from the slides—she told a story. Her voice was assured, her gestures precise. At first, whispers could still be heard, but gradually everyone tuned in. Even those who'd come just to watch got drawn in.
She structured the presentation logically: first identifying the problem, then presenting analysis of the current market position, before smoothly transitioning to the proposed solution.
"We based our approach on consumer-behavior studies and discovered that our core audience seeks not just a product, but emotion. They want to feel part of something bigger. That's why we developed a strategy rooted in engagement and personalization."
Several people nodded in agreement. Auren noticed this out of the corner of her eye and felt a surge of satisfaction inside. She switched slides, revealing the ad campaign concept.
"Here is our main message," she continued, pointing at the key slogan. "We will create not just a product, but a lifestyle that people will want to belong to."
An investor's gaze fixed on the screen, and Auren saw others glance at each other—this was a good sign. She kept her pace steady. Now came the financial section—the most complex and critical.
"From a budgeting perspective, we've planned a three-stage rollout," she explained calmly, appearing tables and charts. "This will allow us to minimize risk while maximizing audience response."
Then her eyes met Kael's again. He didn't look away, but now a subtle new expression hovered in his gaze—one Auren couldn't decipher. But she didn't let herself be distracted.
She moved to the final section and concluded the presentation with a clean, concise summary:
"This strategy will not only drive sales growth, but strengthen our company's image in the market. I am confident this project will deliver excellent results."
A silence hung in the room for a moment. Then one of the investors nodded. Another whispered. A few exchanged looks.
Auren exhaled, masking her nervousness. Now came the hardest part—the reactions from Kael and the investors.
The silence lasted only a few seconds, but to Auren it felt like forever. Then one investor leaned over and quietly said something to his neighbor, who nodded in response.
"A very interesting approach," came a voice finally—from a man in an expensive suit with a penetrating gaze. "You really have done a strong job."
Auren barely nodded, though tension still battered inside her. She knew one compliment didn't mean everything.
"I have a few questions," another investor interjected, flipping through printed materials. "Firstly, you mentioned a three-stage launch. Which phase do you view as the highest risk?"
Auren was ready. She answered calmly, explaining all nuances.
"In other words, we minimize potential loss in the first two phases, then use the data collected to optimize the third," she finished confidently.
The investor nodded thoughtfully.
Kael remained leaned back, arms crossed. He hadn't spoken, but Auren felt his gaze. When a company executive turned to him expecting a reaction, Kael slowly straightened.
"This is genuinely commendable work," he said calmly. "A solid analysis, a clear understanding of objectives."
Auren didn't know if she was surprised or simply relieved.
"But there is one point," he continued.
Auren tensed.
"You provided compelling financials, but how confident are you that the audience will actually respond as expected? What evidence supports this?"
Auren held his gaze. She knew he was testing her.
"We conducted concept testing with focus groups," she replied confidently. "And received positive feedback in 78% of cases."
Kael raised an eyebrow slightly, then nodded.
"Understood."
At that moment, one of the previously silent investors suddenly smirked.
"To be honest, I came here more out of curiosity than genuine interest in the project. I've heard all about the... (he made a gesture referring to rumors). But I must admit, I'm impressed."
Auren clenched her fingers to keep her composure.
"Thank you," she replied simply.
The man looked toward Kael.
"I think we should discuss details."
Kael nodded.
"We will consider it all and make a decision."
Auren realized her part was over. She nodded in acknowledgment, gathered her papers, and when she caught Iris's sympathetic glance—who had observed everything—her lips curved in a subtle smile.
When she left the conference room she finally let herself exhale. Regardless of the final decision, she knew she'd performed well.
Leaving behind the hum of voices and evaluating stares, she walked down the corridor but heard nothing around her. Thoughts froze as if her mind refused to process what had just happened. Everything seemed blurred—employees' faces, muted conversations, even her own footsteps.
Her fingers nervously touched the fabric of her skirt, but even that movement felt mechanical. Her chest still clenched from the tension built during the presentation, now slowly releasing, leaving a light emptiness.
Standing before her office door, she paused a second and took a deep breath. Then she pushed it open and walked inside.
Once the lock clicked shut behind her, a whirlpool of thoughts engulfed her.
Auren sank into her chair, but didn't immediately open her laptop. She intertwined her fingers and stared into the blank space ahead. Thoughts, seemingly restrained until now, fluttered out as one, flooding her consciousness.
She remembered entering the conference room and feeling dozens of gazes—evaluating, skeptical, full of expectation and doubt. She recalled the whispers that seemed to grow louder each time she took a step.
But most of all she remembered his gaze. Kael sat amongst the investors, slightly reclined, seemingly indifferent to everything happening. His face impassive, his eyes cold and untroubled—but at that moment when their eyes met, Auren felt a strange, inexplicable spark inside.
She had expected skepticism in his eyes—or perhaps a slight smirk, as if to say, "Go on, impress me if you can." But there was none of that. No doubt. No contempt. No even ordinary indifference. There was attention.
He looked directly at her—not as a temporary secretary or an office joke, but as someone truly significant in that moment.
Auren couldn't understand why that gaze filled her with confidence. Why it dispelled her nerves. Why his silent support mattered most.
She recalled all their previous clashes: how he watched her in the office, inspected her work, sometimes issued sharp remarks as if expecting a reaction. All that time she had been just another employee, thrown into an unusual position. Or... maybe not?
Maybe she had only imagined it. Maybe it was just a moment, not worth her attention.
But then why did her heart still beat strangely at the memory of that look?
Auren shook her head irritably, dismissing those unnecessary thoughts. Now was not the time to sort them out. Only one thing mattered—she did it.
She turned on her laptop and opened her presentation, running through the slides. Everything had gone perfectly. She had done it. She had proved to everyone that she deserved the project—not because of rumors, but because of her abilities.
A small smile trembled at her lips.
At that moment her phone vibrated on the desk. Iris. Auren brought the phone to her ear without looking from the laptop screen.
"Well, star of the presentation, how does it feel?" Iris's bright voice came through.
Auren chuckled.
"I still can't believe it happened."
"You shouldn't. You were amazing. Did you see those arrogant analysts' faces? I think one of them almost had a twitch when you backed up your points with numbers a third time."
Auren laughed, though fatigue echoed in her voice.
"I just wanted it to go smoothly."
"It went not just smoothly—you blew them away. I think even the boss was impressed."
Auren bit her lip. Kael. That gaze surfaced in her mind again, causing her heart to tighten in unexplainable fluttering.
"If he was impressed, he's not showing it," she murmured.
"Mmm‑hmm. I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up in your office any minute now to personally say you did 'pretty well.'"
Auren rolled her eyes.
"Very funny."
"Don't thank me for the prediction, Miss Laurent. By the way, if you ever want to celebrate your triumph, I'm always available."
Auren smiled faintly.
"We'll see. For now I just want to sit in silence and process everything."
"Well, go process, but not too long. You earned a little celebration."
"I will."
"That's excellent. Okay, won't keep you. See you tomorrow!"
Auren placed the phone on the desk and took a deep breath. She was just about to get back to her laptop when she heard a door opening. She looked up. In the doorway stood Kael, leaning casually against the frame. His dark eyes studied her with a lazy but piercing attentiveness.
"You did well."
Auren blinked, not initially registering that he really was there and not just a persistent thought in her head.
"Just 'well'?" Her lips twitched in a faint smirk, but her voice sounded more tired than she expected.
Kael slowly stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
"Very well," he corrected, sitting on the edge of her desk. "But you know that already, right? Or do you need me to repeat it?"
Auren folded her arms, leaning back in her chair.
"I'm not sure. Depends how often you distribute praise."
Kael smirked, tilting his head.
"Not that often. But it seems you like being exceptional."
Auren felt something stir inside her at his words. He always spoke as though watching her reaction, checking how she would behave next. She had no intention of losing this game.
"You're right—I do like it. So go ahead, surprise me—tell me I'm good at this."
Kael paused, eyeing her face briefly before slowly nodding.
"You're good, Auren."
Her heart skipped a beat. There was something... unusual in his voice. As if he hadn't expected to say it out loud.
Auren cleared her throat, determined not to overthink.
"Thank you, boss."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Today I'm not your boss. Just someone impressed by your work."
Auren pressed her lips together, hesitating, then gathering courage, looked him straight in the eyes.
"So, what do you think? Am I worthy to work in Marketing?"
Kael looked surprised at her direct question, but quickly composed himself.
"What do you think yourself?"
She smiled, tilting her head.
"I think yes. But I'd like to hear your verdict."
Kael nodded slowly, his gaze remaining keen and studying.
"You showed your caliber. Now it remains to see how long you can sustain it."
Auren squinted.
"So this isn't the end of the test?"
Kael smiled broadly as he headed toward the exit.
"Tests never end. Welcome to the real world, Auren. Rest now."
With those words he went into his office, leaving her alone—with a light confusion and that same strange feeling that this conversation mattered more than mere praise.
Barely having enough time to catch her breath after talking with Kael, someone knocked on her reception office door. She expected Iris, but instead a male colleague appeared—tall, confidently smiling.
"Auren, an impressive performance," he praised as he entered uninvited. "I'd say you were made for marketing."
Auren gave a strained smile. She already knew where this was heading. The man continued:
"By the way, to celebrate your success... how about going for coffee? That is, if you don't have other plans."
Auren felt her smile falter. She didn't like such moments, and didn't want to refuse outright—after all, he was a colleague. But before she had a chance to respond, a voice sounded from behind:
"I wouldn't recommend it. Auren already has plans."
They both turned. In the doorway of her office stood Kael, arms casually crossed across his chest. He clearly intended to close the door, but didn't once he saw Auren's expression. His gaze was cold and resolute.
"Oh, boss," the colleague laughed awkwardly. "I just..."
"Just leave," Kael replied evenly.
The man froze, then awkwardly nodded and quickly exited, leaving Auren and Kael alone.
She lifted her eyes to him, puzzled.
"That was entirely unnecessary," she noted.
Kael slightly tilted his head, pondering, but an icy edge slipped into his tone:
"You looked like you wanted to be rescued."
Auren rolled her eyes but didn't argue. She had indeed felt relief at his intervention. She smirked, looking at Kael, who clearly enjoyed the moment. He turned to leave again, but after a few steps paused.
"Know," she began, arms crossed, "I'm starting to think you were jealous. Don't you think I'd misunderstand?"
Kael froze, then slowly turned his head to meet her with a sly look.
"Jealous?" he echoed with a light smirk. "Don't flatter yourself, Auren."
She squinted as though contemplating.
"But yes, of course. You just decided to step in because you didn't like his cologne?"
Kael quietly snorted, tilting his head to one side.
"Maybe he had too sweet a scent. Or maybe I simply don't like it when someone spoils my valuable employee's mood."
Auren tilted her head, looking at him with a cunning smile.
"So I'm valuable staff?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kael only smirked.
"Don't abuse that, Auren."
She laughed softly, and he finally turned toward the door. But after a couple of steps, he stopped again.
"Oh yes..." he added without turning back. "Don't forget your probation is not over yet."
Auren rolled her eyes but couldn't mask the gentle smile. She knew—it was his special way of acknowledging her success. And somehow that made it feel even better.
Kael didn't rush to leave. He stood at a distance, but Auren felt warmth emanating from him as if he were standing right beside her. She looked into his eyes, her gaze full of challenge. The tension from before still echoed in her chest, but instead of letting it fade, she decided to take a step forward.
Just one step.
He didn't retreat.
Auren approached, deliberately closing the distance between them, as if testing his boundaries. A subtle interest flickered in Kael's eyes, but he didn't move; he only raised an eyebrow, waiting for her next move.
"So you won't admit you were jealous?" her voice sounded soft but teasing.
Kael's lips quivered in the shadow of a half-smile. He tilted his head, studying her face.
"You do realize you're playing with fire by asking that?" His voice was low, warm, almost lazy—but a hidden challenge resonated within.
Auren tilted her head slightly, squinting.
"What if I like the heat?"
Kael chuckled, the corners of his mouth twitching in a smirk, but in his eyes a warning spark flashed.
"In that case, be careful," he leaned in slowly, voice quieter but deeper. "Sometimes fire doesn't just warm."
Auren smiled, not stepping back.
"Sometimes that's even better."
Kael looked at her just a moment too long, then slowly shook his head, smirked—and abruptly stepped back, as if severing an invisible thread between them.
"We'll see how long you can handle that heat," he tossed over his shoulder, then finally disappeared behind the door.
Auren stayed standing, feeling adrenaline still pulsing through her veins. She didn't know where this game would lead—but one thing was certain: she wasn't going to lose.