Why did I feel deja vu hearing that last name? It couldn't be him....it can't be him. Just then still lost in my thoughts, the boardroom doors swung open, and in walked a figure clad in an opal white suit. I gulped in knowing who that face belonged to. Every bit and part of me pleading for it not to be true and my whole world shattered hearing that name, Shane

“Shane, you are here earlier than I thought. What about the personal stuff you said you were dealing with.” Sebastian rose from the chair, moving aside to the next chair and seating down. “I was getting bored acting for you. You are just lucky no one knew we were identical.”

“Shut up Sebastian. “ Shane arched his brows, tilting his head towards me with a bright smile. “Apparently, she backed away. Hope I’m not late, and this must be?” He withdrew his gaze from me and sat down on the sleek black cushion chair, crossing his legs, ignoring my complete existence.

I forced out a smile, arranging myself and giving another introduction again. “Lauren Wayne. It is a pity Mr. Shepherd missed out on my presentation. If there is anything you'd want me to pinpoint, then you can look through the file and say it.”

“What if I want you to start all over? Will I be requesting too much?”

I could feel my head blowing off steam as I smiled once again at Shane. He was worse than Sebastian, it seems that both were out to frustrate my life. I took a deep breath, suppressing the frustration bubbling inside me, and refocused on the task at hand. I couldn’t let Shane's presence, or his ridiculous request to start over, throw me off.

"Of course, Mr. Shepherd," I said smoothly, turning back toward the screen as I navigated the presentation slides. "Let's begin. The title of the project, SAQ (Sustainable and Advanced Quality), appeared on the screen in bold letters. I glanced around the room, focusing on the man in the opal suit.

"SAQ is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at revolutionizing how we manage quality assurance in our manufacturing processes," I began, my voice steady, even though my mind raced with nervousness. "The core of the project is to implement sustainable and efficient practices while maintaining the highest level of product quality. This will not only boost productivity but also reduce waste and improve long-term profitability."

I paused to catch my breath, scanning the room before locking eyes with Shane for just a moment. His expression was neutral, unreadable, but I knew he was paying close attention.

"I believe I am the right project manager for SAQ," I continued, my tone growing more confident. "I have a deep understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of this project. My previous experience in quality assurance management has given me unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for SAQ."

Shane leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "And what makes you think you're better suited for this than anyone else?" Calmly, he tapped the tip of the pen to get my attention and asked.

This question was always something to be asked in every proposal and I didn't feel scared at all. "Because I don’t just manage projects—I transform them. I’ve led initiatives like this before, where I had to balance sustainability with efficiency, and I’ve seen firsthand how those changes can impact the bottom line. I know how to navigate the complexities of this business and deliver results."

I clicked to the next slide, showcasing projected financial growth and waste reduction charts. "SAQ is projected to reduce operational costs by 25% within the first year while maintaining an output increase of 15%. The systems we’ll implement are innovative, and I have the experience to oversee their successful integration."

Sebastian nodded approvingly, but I could feel Shane’s eyes still on me.

"As project manager, I’ll ensure that SAQ is not just another initiative—it will become a benchmark for quality and sustainability in the industry. Our clients are expecting nothing less than perfection, and I intend to deliver that."

"You sound very confident, Lauren. I hope you can back up all that talk when it’s time for execution. I don't make commitments with people anyhow, Lauren, do you think you can change that?"

I gave him a forced smile, refusing to let his mockery throw me off. It was obvious to us both that he was using my words against me. Come on, commitment? What did it have to do with what I was talking about? "I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could."

The room fell silent for a moment, and I could feel the silence lingering for too long in the air. I had given my all in the presentation, and now it was up to them—up to Shane—to make the next move.

When no one wanted to speak, Jackson cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room. He leaned forward slightly, glancing between Shane and me. "Well, both my subordinates have taken their time to analyze everything. What do you think now, Mr. Shepherd? What is your take on this? Will you allow Avel Agency to be your guide in the cyber world?”

I found myself holding my breath, waiting for Shane’s response. His eyes flickered toward me for a brief second before he uncrossed his legs, placing both hands on the brown glass conference table.

“You pulled this off. All of this, I am greatly surprised and yes, I'd be sticking with Avel Agency for this term, however I will only agree under one condition.”

Jackson raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?" Shane’s gaze shifted fully to me, and for a second, I felt like I was in an empty room with only Shane.

"I’ll only agree if Miss Lauren coordinates the project," Shane replied shortly, a faint smile curling on his lips. "I’m well-fascinated with everything she presented, and I believe she’s the right person to lead this partnership.”

"Miss Wayne has certainly proven her capability," Jackson said, turning to me. "Lauren, what do you think? Are you up for leading this on behalf of Avel?”

I straightened my posture, giving a firm nod and then a glance at the silently fuming woman on her seat, Kathy Williams. "Absolutely. I’ll ensure that Avel delivers the best results, Mr. Shepherd.”

“Then it is settled, welcome onboard, Miss Wayne. My assistant, Tori will get you familiarized with S–Corps and help you create your own space in my company. Apart from that you'd be entitled to an apartment, a car…Tori will do the briefing, I have something to do. I will be on my way.”

“But—” Kathy spoke, her face distorted as she raised her hand up in the air clearly fazed that I won the bet and she lost. She shook her head, kicking out the chair and standing up to her feet. “Are you serious? You’re putting an intern—an intern—in charge of this entire project? Do you have any idea how risky that is?”

I turned my head slightly towards Kathy, amazed that she hadn't the guts to settle scores with me in front of clients. “I see you have a problem with me, Kathy.”

“And you are?” The entire room went silent as Shane removed his tinted reading glasses, placing it gently on his laps and turned over to Kathy. “Can I ask who you are to object to what I have said? If you’d been paying attention, you’d realize she’s more than capable. I repeat again, do you have a problem why I chose Lauren?”

“....”