Ch-91. Wishes

Ashley's POV:

As I step into the conference hall, the atmosphere inside is filled with anticipation and energy buzzing in the air.

Everything is already set by the time I arrive— there are polished wooden panels on the walls, rows upon rows of chairs are perfectly placed in perfect alignment, all facing the podium at the front.

Set against the pristine white wall is a singular podium with a chair; there is just one name displayed on the chair, in front of the microphones. Ashley Waverly.

I know that it's my name, that I am the face of the project, but it still feels so… unreal.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself.

This is it. The board of directors will all be seated in the front row, their eyes on me expecting me to deliver; now, it is on me to prove their judgement of me wrong.

I peer out nervously from the side stage, my heart rate picking up as I scan the room. The rows are nearly full— journalists, industry insiders, and even some familiar faces are here.

I wasn’t prepare