Unseen Battles: The Designer vs The CEO

"Alright, Tiana, just act like a professional... even if you're being marched to your own execution."

She thought, feeling like running off.

"Or should I just dip?!"

Ethan finally stopped near one of the side exits, away from the bustling crowd. He turned sharply.

"Is this what backstage coordination looks like to you?"

"Just grabbing a quick refreshment, sir. Didn't know hydration was a crime."

She teased, forcing a smile.

But internally.

"Why am I still talking?"

Ethan stepped closer, his gaze unwavering.

"Now tell me more about the email you sent earlier?"

"That's because I think you were as striking as usual, that you put the VIPs to shame, sir."

She teased, with her hand on her face like a fangirl.

"Not just the VIPs, even everyone at the event, I'd say."

"Besides, just… following up on the sketch. I thought maybe with the success of the show tonight, you'd reconsider—"

Looking at him, he wasn't having any of it.

"Oops, maybe I crossed the line in my advance."

"This event is not your leverage point."

"Ouch. That one stung, and here I was thinking he's getting lenient with me."

She thought, looking at him.

"Yes, I understand, sir."

She responded, masking her hurt with her usual beaming expression.

"You want to prove your work deserves recognition, right?"

"Of course."

She responded, detached, looking away from him.

"If the work is good, it speaks for itself. I don't entertain begging."

Tiana looked down, jaw clenched.

"I wasn't begging. I was just—trying to be heard, but I guess now you've made it clear to me you're not reconsidering your final decision."

He studied her for a beat, then looked away and let out a discreet sigh.

"Sir, here you are. You're—"

The secretary stopped halfway, looking at the scene.

"My apologies, sir. But this is important."

He added, looking away.

"Did that lady do something to him?"

He thought, stealing a glance.

"He's never looked this conflicted when talking to anyone before. Why now?"

He studied his boss as he walked toward him with his usual unreadable expression.

Meanwhile, Tiana walked away, looking down.

"Hey, there you are."

Ray interrupted, walking toward Tiana with a soda.

"You look like you broke up with your boyfriend."

Ray teased, watching Tiana drag her feet as she walked away.

"Is that so..."

"Well, I don't have one!"

Meanwhile, Ray looked in the direction of the CEO walking out. After a brief glance back, he thought,

"Okay, that was weird. Hope he wasn't looking at me!"

He sipped his soda.

After hours of the event, the event was over, she walked off.

"After that disaster, I didn't see him again."

She glanced back, scanning the dispersing crowd.

"I guess it's time to let go of my silly plans," she thought.

"But a tiny part of me wishes he had given my revision another chance instead of rejecting it just because he felt like it."

"Ugh, I wish I could just kick that jerk!"

Her thoughts screamed as she clenched her fists.

"That's why I don't like those arrogant jerks on top!"

"I guess he's gone for good."

She snapped back to reality as she realized Ethan was nowhere to be found after the show.

Just then, a car stopped beside her—but it wasn't the kind Ethan usually drove.

"Need a ride?"

Jaden rolled down his window, looking at her.

"It's fine, the bus stop is just a few minutes away."

She smiled politely, but inside her thoughts screamed,

"That's a free ride, idiot!"

Still, she was a bit shy and embarrassed to actually ask for one.

"We're going the same direction, Tiana. So hop in, please."

As if caught in some prank, she spotted Ethan walking out of the company toward his car.

Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Tiana immediately looked away, completely embarrassed.

"Looking at him after that... feels so weird," she thought as she quickly slid into Jaden's car.

"Thank you. I guess you're right," she said, tilting her head sideways and giggling softly at him.

"Besides, why would he even look at me? At this point, it's way too deliberate to be accidental!"

She stared out the window, pondering silently.

"Or maybe that heartless jerk feels a bit guilty about what he said… or is he just messing with me?"

***********

Back at home, she ranted to Hannah.

"Oh, that reminds me—the new face for this autumn event, Linda? She seems to be your fan."

Tiana said, rubbing honey on her face with a sly smile.

"That was shocking, but not bad. I'm honored," Hannah laughed.

"By the way, about what happened with him… I think it's high time you let go of that revision. Besides, he already accepted the rest, so being persistent about this rejected one might come off as a bit weird, don't you think?"

Tiana was quiet for a moment.

"I'm only this persistent for two things, Hannah," she thought to herself.

"I guess you're right. It does come off as weird," she said, smiling softly.

"Good. But don't think you're getting away without the explanation you owe me," Hannah teased.

"Umm… please just forget about it," Tiana mumbled, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Not only was her plan failing—today's awkward encounter with Ethan proved it—she was beginning to doubt if her scheme to become Ethan's girlfriend would ever work.

As their conversation continued,

Meanwhile, Ethan walked into their family gathering, joined by a few invited guests celebrating the successful launch of the autumn line.

Just then, Linda noticed Ethan and Diana walking off together, chatting.

"What's up with Diana anyway? She's just a cousin. So why is she so close to brother?" Linda pouted, jealousy flickering in her eyes.

"Not you jealous already... You know having more than a few attentions from him just means more stress," Evelyn said calmly, sipping her wine.

Just then, both Linda and Evelyn saw their older sister Aaliyah walking upstairs, her anger barely masked by a smile as she waved at the guests.

"Do you think Lux is in trouble today as well?"

Linda said, her juice cup poised at her lips.

"Don't know, but she seems pretty angry, which isn't a good sign for him,"

Evelyn responded.

"Serves him right,"

Linda thought, smiling.