Chapter 21 – The Pressure Builds

Taro barely looked up from his desk as the hours passed. Reports, meetings, deadlines—he was drowning in work, but he refused to let it show.

This was his chance. His only chance.

A knock on the glass wall of his office made him snap his head up. Rylan.

"Still working?" Rylan stepped inside, his usual unreadable smile in place.

Taro quickly straightened. "Yeah. Just making sure everything's perfect."

Rylan chuckled, walking over to the desk. "That's good. But don't overthink it. Some people just naturally get things right without trying too hard."

Taro froze for a second. He knew exactly who Rylan was talking about.

Elian.

Rylan leaned casually against the desk. "I mean, some people are born with connections. Born with the right family, the right charm. They don't have to prove themselves. Not like us."

Taro's fingers curled into a fist under the table.

He gets it.

Rylan glanced at the documents on the desk. "But you? You're different. You work for it. And that's why I chose you."

Taro exhaled slowly, trying to push down the emotions bubbling inside him. This is why I can't afford to fail.

Rylan's voice lowered slightly. "But if you don't handle this project properly… well, there are plenty of people waiting to take your place."

A chill ran down Taro's spine.

It wasn't a threat. Not directly. But the message was clear—he had to earn his spot. He had to prove he wasn't just some background character in someone else's story.

Taro nodded firmly. "I won't let you down."

Rylan smiled. "I know you won't."

As he walked away, Taro took a deep breath, gripping his pen so tightly his knuckles turned white.

He couldn't afford to lose this. Not now. Not ever.