The moment she stepped inside, she heard her supervisor, Jack Smith, calling her name.

“Yes, Mr. Smith!” she responded immediately.

“Grab those designs I asked you to draw last time and come with me to the meeting room.”

“Okay.” She nodded briskly.

Elissa pulled the drawings from the file cabinet and fell into step behind Jack. He had already briefed her thoroughly on these designs, emphasizing their importance. His intention was clear: to entrust her with complete responsibility and let her take the lead.

This marked Elissa’s first independent project since joining the company. She gripped the designs firmly, drawing slow, deep breaths to steady her racing pulse.

“Don’t be nervous.” Jack’s voice carried reassurance as he offered her an encouraging smile. “There’s always a first time for everything. Additionally, I’ve already thoroughly reviewed your designs. Rest assured, they’re perfect.”

“Thank you, Mr. Smith.” Elissa nodded, her smile soft but determined.

The small meeting room loomed just ahead.

“When we go in, I’ll handle the introductions…” Jack stepped ahead to the door and delivered his final instructions. “After that, it’s all yours.”

“Okay.” Her voice carried newfound confidence.

Knock, knock.

Jack’s knuckles rapped against the door.

“Please come in,” came the response from within.

Jack acknowledged the invitation and pushed the door open. “Good afternoon, Mr. Torres.”

Mr. Torres? The name sparked recognition in Elissa’s mind. She followed closely behind, lifted her gaze, and instantly connected the name to the familiar face before her. It was Robin. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Hello, Mr. Smith.” Robin smiled warmly, rose from his chair, and extended his hand to Jack. Then his attention shifted to Elissa, his eyes finding hers.

Jack, oblivious to their history, made the introduction. “Mr. Torres, this is Miss Holland, the designer responsible for this project.”

He turned to Elissa. “Elissa, this is Mr. Torres. The project you’re handling belongs to Mr. Torres’s company. Moving forward, you can contact Mr. Torres directly with any questions. Go ahead and introduce yourself.”

Elissa stood frozen, her lips parting slightly in surprise.

“Miss Holland.” Robin broke the silence first, his smile professional as he extended his hand.

“Hello.” Elissa snapped back to the present and accepted his handshake. “Mr. Torres.”

They exchanged pleasantries with careful formality, as if they were strangers meeting for the first time.

“Now, Mr. Torres, you two can discuss the details. I’ll leave you both to it.”

“No problem,” Robin replied smoothly.

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