ALIANA

The restaurant is lively with different customers and different activities. Cutlery clinking loudly, very expensive looking customers seated and lost in discussions. The lighting is warm enough to flatter anyone.

I sit across from the clients with my hands folded neatly on the table, posture relaxed, mind sharp.

“…so the revised design keeps the integrity of the original structure while modernizing the flow,” I say, sliding the tablet toward them. “We’re not erasing history. We’re elevating it.”

The woman on the left nods slowly. “You’re confident.”

“I’m prepared,” I correct.

The client smiles. “That’s better.”

We shake hands ten minutes later.

Contracts signed. Smiles exchanged. Promises of follow-up meetings...