"I have to say, I'm impressed. Ms. Taylor is remarkably talented for her age. Her positioning of the project is precise, her planning is clear, and her vision is bold, innovative, and full of potential."
"As the CEO of Sanchez Group, I will commit every resource at our disposal to the Southgate project and to supporting her. In my view, Ms. Taylor's proposal is, without question, the strongest candidate at today's conference."
The applause that followed was louder than before, crashing through the room like a wave.
Winifred stood at the podium, her cheeks flushed, gazing down at Asher with a look of undisguised adoration and triumph. She looked every bit the golden girl, cherished and elevated by a powerful man.
Whispers rippled through the audience. The consensus was clear: Winifred had already won.
I sat in my corner, ice spreading through my veins, and felt the last flicker of hope inside me go dark.
He used to look at me that way. He used to call me a genius, used to exhaust every beautiful word in his vocabulary on me.
The host, seeing no objections, smiled and spoke up.
"Thank you for your endorsement, Mr. Sanchez. Since there are no objections from any party, I will now make the announcement."
"The Southgate parcel project is officially awarded to Ms. Winifred Taylor!"
The spotlight found Winifred. Joy spilled across her face unchecked as she threw her arms around Asher, and in that moment, they were the center of the universe.
Thunderous applause filled the room.
I drew a long breath. And in the moment the house lights came up, I rose to my feet. "I object."
My voice hit the room like a boulder dropped into still water.
Every pair of eyes snapped toward me.
Onstage, the smile on Asher's face froze solid.
