Chapter 16

Briar’s POV

“Are you sure I am good to go? I could really make corrections if there is a need to.” I said to Liam, searching his face to be sure he isn’t hiding his truth from me.

Liam folded his arms, “Would I set you up to fail, Briar?”

“No,” I muttered.

“Exactly! I will never push you towards an unsure path. Everyone saw the mood board and approved it. So this isn’t just me gassing you up. You did a good job, you should be proud. Get going now, you wouldn’t want to be late to your presentation.”

I smacked my lips, taking a deep breath. “Alright, thank you. Wish me luck.”

“You are already in luck,” Liam said with a wink.

“Blow his mind off.” Rissa gave a thumbs-up.

I hurried out of our office towards the elevator feeling anxious. Every presentation always has me like this. But I feel quite trapped with this one. When Adrian announced that I would report directly to him, it made me disheveled. I had to remind myself why I stayed despite the past resurfacing. But the courage seems to have evaporated now that I am about to be in his face.

Stepping out of the elevator, I took a deep breath. Leaning against the wall for a moment, I did a little introspection. I do not need to fret. Whatever Adrian and I shared is in the past. We are different people now. I bet he has also given up the thought of me being the wife he supposedly buried. This is plain business. I am going to go in there and give my best to the presentation. Knock his socks off and show him that I am a professional who is exceptional at her job.

Letting out a long breath, I felt better. With a determined gut, I stepped into the CEO’s office.

“Good morning, Anita. I am here to see Mr Sterling.” I said to his secretary.

“Welcome, Miss Smith. He is expecting you.” She replied.

“Thank you.” I mouthed. Adrian was standing with his back turned to the door staring out the window wall. The straight stance with his broad back got me distracted for a split second. Even his behind is worthy of the gaze. Snapping back to reality, I cleared my throat. “Good morning, Sir.”

“I was wondering when you would find your voice, Miss Smith.” He turned around, giving me a cold look.

I squared my shoulder, refusing to cower away. “I am here for the moodboard proposal submission.”

“Did you not hear that you would have to present it?”

I swallowed with a nod. “I know. Please if you will have your seat, I will start.”

I still don’t know why he would ask for a presentation when he could just go over the file submitted and give his feedback. I always knew he was an asshole. I already feel sorry for every employee here. It must be hard dealing with their cocky boss.

Adrian sniffed before settling in his chair with his arms folded. His expression was stoic. I stepped forward placing the copy of the document in front of him before taking a stance a few feet away from him. Since this isn’t a boardroom, there is no projector to use. This is why this damn presentation makes no sense.

“Sir, regarding the resort lounge design concept. We are aiming for a space that already gives the client a visionary idea of what they are about to experience. If you look at the pages in front of you, you will realize the theme I thought to go for, is a nature-inspired theme. Atlanta as we know it is a city full of skyscrapers and barely a view of nature. But with the resort, they will be transported into a world of tranquility. A view that already makes them relaxed. For the color palette, I thought deep forest green and brushed brass would be an amazing combination. We can….”

“Are you trying to recreate the A****n forest in my resort?” He cut me short.

I blinked rapidly, confused by the question. “W…what do you mean sir?”

“Exactly what you heard,” Adrian replied with a disgusted look on his face.

“Sir, a thorough research was done on the taste of people who live in a bustling city like Atlanta. Anyone would want to have an experience of nature while they enjoy their vacation.” I explained, confident that I did a thorough job.

“That is your problem. You seem to have a backward mentality. My resort is not for everyone. It is for people with exquisite taste. If they want just a nature-inspired view, they know exactly where to go. The resort is supposed to give them an unforgettable feeling that they have never experienced anywhere before. A spectacular feeling. But you brought me a used-up concept? And claim it is your best? Are you sure you truly want this job? You must have thought this would be a walk in the park because of the silly praises you have gotten in the past. Let me tell you, this is rubbish.” He snarled, tossing the document at me. The papers scattered to the floor.

I clenched my fist next to me, gulping hard. “Are you saying none of this interests you?”

Adrian scoffed, patting his hair down. “Are you deaf? Did I just speak gibberish? Is that why the message isn't clear to you? Get out of my office, Miss Smith. It is obvious you just came here to waste my time. I want another report in the next three days. And you had better not disappoint. Or your job will be riding on it. I do not need mediocres around me. Out!” He glared.

Taking a deep breath, I bent down to pick up the papers carefully. “I will make amends sir,” I muttered, excusing myself.

I almost fell on my face as I stumbled into the elevator struggling to catch my breath. I plastered my palm against the wall while my other hand held onto the documents tightly. Thank goodness I didn’t bring a tablet, he would have broken it into pieces. Seeing him act so dismissively brought back memories that I thought I had tucked into a deep hole. But I was wrong. The trauma the bastard caused me is still visible. I hate how he just made me feel. Standing in that office made me doubt all the work that I have put in through the years. I felt bare.

Shutting my eyes for a moment. I opened it and looked at myself in the elevator wall. Why am I troubled? I have handled projects that were millions of dollars even when I was a rookie. I am not going to let someone like Adrian who has no courtesy regardless of the setting to pull me down and ridicule my ability. Since this is how he has chosen to start our business relationship.

I am going to make him eat his words. He will see just how much I have grown and the incredible things I am capable of. I will show him.