#Chapter 45: Up the Ante

Aria’s POV I move swiftly down the halls of the office, the buzz of noise flashing by me. It’s comforting, like the hum of a well-oiled machine. I’m back, fully recovered and ready to dive headfirst into work. The major race is looming on the horizon, and I’m determined to prove myself, not just to my team but to myself as well. “Aria!” Jackson calls out as soon as I walk in. He’s already in racing gear, his face flushed with excitement. “We’ve got a team meeting in ten. Can you help me go over some last-minute strategies?” “Absolutely,” I reply, my pulse quickening. It feels good to be needed, to be in control. I walk over to the whiteboard, where various notes and diagrams from previous meetings are scattered. I pick up a marker and begin outlining our plan. In the meeting room, the atmosphere is charged. Team members mill about, glancing at the clock, each one eager for the race. I can sense the competitive energy buzzing in the air. When I take my seat at the head