Meeting at 10 : 30 pm

"Why did you arrive so late, Blair?" Evelyn's voice interrupted her thoughts, causing her to put her phone away.

"Yeah, I was late today. My eyes just refused to open early this morning," Blair replied, slightly amused.

"Well, now the boss will make sure your eyes are wide open," Evelyn warned her in a serious tone.

Evelyn had been her good friend since they met four years ago. She was in her late twenties, with bright brown eyes and dark hair styled in soft curls around her face. Her smile was perfect. When they met on that first day, they clicked instantly. They shared much more than just a great sense of humor; their personalities meshed seamlessly. Blair often talked about her latest cake creations while Evelyn listened with a soft expression. They had similar tastes in music and movies, though Blair preferred indie over pop or hip-hop. They were equally passionate about books, which led Evelyn to share stories about her family's love for reading, even though she hadn't read much herself.

"Why? What's going on? Where is the boss?" Blair inquired, feeling a sense of concern.

"In her office," Evelyn replied, gesturing with her eyes. Blair glanced toward the glass door and saw her boss in a heated argument with William. She wore a form-fitting black pencil skirt, complemented by black silk stockings and matching high heels, along with an opulent crimson blouse adorned with sparkling diamond embellishments. As their eyes met through the reflective surface of the door, Blair noticed irritation etched on her face.

Blair felt a pang of anxiety as she watched the scene unfold. It was unusual for the boss to reprimand William, a highly respected employee, so early in the day. Hastily arranging her belongings on her desk, Blair cautiously approached the office, hoping to avoid any scolding this morning.

Upon entering the office, she felt the air thick with tension. William appeared visibly flustered and filled with remorse. Sitting behind her desk, Ms. Dorothy, the boss, wore a disappointed and frustrated expression.

"William, how could you be so careless? Your mistake has cost us a major client in Singapore, resulting in billions of dollars in losses," Ms. Dorothy yelled at him.

A knot formed in Blair's stomach as she considered the situation. William was known for his meticulousness and attention to detail. It was highly unusual for him to make such a significant mistake. Blair couldn't help but wonder what had gone wrong.

"I understand, but-"

"I don't want to hear any excuses, William! This was a crucial account, and you were responsible for ensuring its success. Now we've lost not only a valuable client but also a significant amount of revenue." Ms. Dorothy's voice boomed, making Blair involuntarily flinch.

Ms. Dorothy gestured for William to leave and then turned her attention towards Blair, her tone filled with frustration. "Why on earth are you just standing there like a complete idiot!"

Blair felt a pang of envy as she watched Kaylee and Ms. Dorothy interact so seamlessly. It was hard not to compare herself to Kaylee, who seemed to effortlessly command the boss's approval. Blair shook her head, trying to push away the negative thoughts as she approached.

"Hey, Kaylee," she said, forcing a smile. "How's everything going?"

Kaylee turned, her expression brightening. "Almost ready! Just a few last-minute adjustments, and we'll be set for Ms. Charlotte's arrival."

Blair nodded, hoping her own nerves didn't show. "Do you need any help? I can assist with the decorations or refreshments."

"That would be great," Kaylee replied, glancing back at Ms. Dorothy. "She's a bit stressed, and I could use another set of hands."

Blair felt a small surge of relief. Maybe this was her chance to prove herself. As they moved together to the refreshments table, she quickly took stock of what was needed.

"Do you know what Ms. Charlotte prefers?" Blair asked, trying to sound casual.

Kaylee shrugged, focusing on arranging the pastries. "She likes everything to be perfect-presentation matters more than anything else. If it doesn't look right, you'll hear about it."

Blair's stomach twisted at the thought. With her own pressures looming, the idea of failing in front of the new CEO was daunting. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she could handle it.

As they worked, the tension in the air became palpable. Employees rushed about, and the faint sound of cameras clicking hinted that the press was gathering outside. Blair caught a glimpse of Evelyn, who was already engaging with the reporters, her bright smile cutting through the chaos.

"Let's make sure everything is set before they start streaming in," Kaylee said, snapping Blair back to reality.

"Right, let's finish up," Blair agreed, focusing on her tasks. She wanted to make today memorable-not just for Ms. Charlotte, but for herself, too. This was her chance to shine amidst the pressure.

They finished arranging the final touches just as Ms. Dorothy emerged from her office, her demeanor still tense but slightly more composed.

"Is everything ready?" she called out, scanning the room with an authoritative gaze.

"Almost done, boss," Kaylee replied, straightening up.

Blair felt her heart race as Ms. Dorothy approached them. "Make sure it's flawless," she said, her voice low but firm. "We can't afford any mistakes today."

Blair nodded, determination flooding her. She would not let Ms. Dorothy down-or herself. As the final minutes ticked away, she could feel the weight of expectations resting heavily on her shoulders. But deep down, she knew she was capable. Today had to be perfect.

"I hoped you disappeared, Kaylee," Blair muttered, unsure if it was fueled by her envy or pure rage. She had always yearned to be the one standing by the boss's side, aiding and backing her up.

At precisely 10 o'clock, Ethan Lopez entered the hallway, causing all the cameras to shift their focus onto him. He was the only child of the company's president, Ms. Charlotte Lopez, and the exclusive proprietor of Lopez Food Company, having recently finished his education in Australia.

Amidst the bustling crowd, the sound of his footsteps went unnoticed. He possessed a captivating allure, with his slender frame, lustrous light brown hair, and piercing blue eyes, which he hid behind glasses. He held an air of enigma and charm. Clad in a black suit and gray tie, he exuded an aura of effortless elegance, accentuating his tan and emanating a distinct sense of cool sophistication. As he strolled down the aisle of the hall, where individuals sat in rows of red velvet chairs, he greeted each person with a charming smile.

Blair couldn't help but think how perfect his life was. Just then, Masson's message appeared on her phone screen, snapping her back to reality. She tapped the screen to read his message.

'Opulent Heights'  

'Luxor Lodgings Hotel'  

'Meeting'  

'10:30 pm'