Two days later, Amara discovered she wasn't the only one working on the project.
She walked into the conference room and froze.
Another designer stood beside Damian.
Tall. Elegant. Confident.
"Amara," Damian said, "meet Victoria Hale."
Victoria extended a hand, her smile sharp.
"I've heard so much about you."
Amara shook it politely.
"Likewise."
But the tension between them was instant.
"Victoria will also be consulting on the project," Damian continued.
Amara blinked.
"Consulting?"
"Yes," Victoria added smoothly. "Mr. Reyes prefers multiple perspectives."
Amara forced a smile, but inside she burned.
After the meeting ended, she cornered Damian in his office.
"You didn't tell me I'd be competing with someone."
"You're not competing," he replied.
"It feels like it."
Damian leaned back in his chair.
"Then prove you're better."
Amara stared at him.
"You're unbelievable."
"And you're ambitious," he said calmly. "That's why I chose you."
She hesitated.
"Chose me for what exactly?"
But Damian didn't answer.
Instead, he looked at her with an expression that made her pulse skip.
"For something bigger than this project."