Chapter 22

The conference room at Tate Group was thick with tension, the kind that felt like it could be wrung out of the air. "This is our last shot, Mr. Tate." The CFO, Alfred Wise, spoke with a trembling voice. "If we don't secure the clean energy partnership in West Aurelia, our cash flow next quarter will be in serious trouble." Darren didn't respond immediately. He stared at the partner's profile glowing on his laptop screen. Founders of Nedla Design Studio—Kayla and Ned. The woman wore a sharp white blazer in the photo. Her smile was poised, confident, and distant. "Set up the meeting," Darren said, shutting the laptop with a snap. His knuckles were pale from the force. He gathered all the necessary documents and files, working so frantically he didn't even have time for a meal, then rushed to board a flight to Norwyn. Darren arrived at the conference room half an hour early, only to find Kayla and Ned already there, adjusting the projector. She wore a sharp black pantsuit, with h