Celeste

My heart sank. “What?”

He didn’t even look back. “Mina, you’ll present.”

“Yes, sir,” Mina said, barely hiding her triumphant smile.

I stood there, speechless. Why would he do this to me? After giving me hope. After making me believe I had a chance to prove myself.

I had no choice but to follow them to the conference room.

The conference room was on the top floor—all glass walls and expensive furniture. Five board members were already seated around the long table: Mr. Chen, Mrs. Rodriguez, Mr. Thompson, Ms. Park, and Mr. Hassan.

They were the company’s biggest investors and partners. Impressing them was crucial.

Jace sat at the...