Two weeks had passed since Ava's first board meeting, and the Cardwell Industries conference room buzzed with anticipation.

Today's agenda included three major proposals that would shape the company's direction for the next fiscal year.

Ava sat at her usual place beside David, reviewing her notes one final time before the meeting began.

"What's up? You nervous?" Dean asked quietly, sliding into the seat across from her a cheeky smile on his face.

"Excited," she ...