Lian didn't waste time. As soon as Chloe told her,she made her way upstairs and knocked.
After a pause, the door creaked open. Salim stepped out, eyes narrowing the moment he saw her.
"You wanted to see me?" she asked, her voice quiet.
He didn't answer immediately. His eyes swept over her glossy hair, new dress.
Then came the spark.
"All this… for a dress and some polished hair?" His voice was low, bitter. "You missed one of the most important conferences we've had. You embarrassed your entire team. You embarrassed me."
Lian blinked. "What?"
"You were one of the top five," he snapped. "Do you even realize that? You had a shot at presenting in front of Charlie Larmoth himself and you disappeared. For what? Some guy you met yesterday?"
Lian's brows furrowed. "I didn't even know the meeting was mandatory. I thought it was just a meet and greet. Why are you so worked up?"
"Worked up?" His tone sharpened like a blade. He stepped forward suddenly and grabbed her wrist. "You humiliated everyone who believed in you."
"Ow..Salim, let go," she said trying to pull free. "What is wrong with you?"
"You think this is a game?" he said through clenched teeth. "Do you know how hard people fought to get here? And you throw it all away for shopping bags and flirty smiles?"
Her eyes flared. "I didn't throw anything away. I've been working just as hard as anyone else. You don't get to stand there and act like you know me."
Salim's voice was sharp. "I opened myself to you. You saw me at my weakest but don't forget I'm still your boss. I could send you straight back to the ground."
Lian flinched.
"You didn't think the conference was mandatory?" He shook his head, disgusted. "Such a disappointment. I expected better from you."
She opened her mouth to speak, but he didn't wait.
"You won't be getting that spot back. I'll see to it."
Then 'slam' the door closed in her face.
Lian stood frozen. His words echoed like a slap. She hadn't realized how deeply she'd messed up until now.
What was even the point of the trip if she let this opportunity slip through her fingers?
This wasn't the promise she'd made to herself.
"I'll…" she tried again, but no one was there to hear her.
She turned and walked back, her steps heavy. Her face gave her away she looked shattered. Chloe sat waiting, clearly satisfied.
Lian wanted to ask why Chloe hadn't called or warned her when she realized the meeting was compulsory. But what was the point?
She was too drained to argue.
She changed into her clothes, crawled into bed, and turned her back to the room.
Tomorrow had to be better.
The Next Morning at the hotel conference lounge
By the time she dressed up and came downstairs, the other interns were already gathered papers in hand, energy buzzing. The schedule had shifted: today was about presentations and shadowing high-level staff.
She spotted Salim across the room, his back turned. He was talking to a tall woman in heels probably someone from the host company.
Chloe, with her usual sly smile, leaned toward Lian and whispered, "You're not on the list."
Lian blinked. "What?"
"You're not part of the shadowing team," Chloe repeated, voice low but triumphant. "Salim reassigned you. You'll be staying back to assist logistics. Tough luck."
Lian's stomach dropped. She looked around her name really wasn't on the roster pinned on the wall. Instead, she was listed under support staff. Basic errands. No exposure. No recognition.
"Why?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.
This was too much
Chloe shrugged, clearly enjoying herself. "Boss's orders."
Lian watched them drive off from the hotel window. She stood for a moment, lost.
Then someone cleared their throat behind her.
A woman sharp glasses, clipboard, head of admin coordination stepped forward. "You're Lian, right? I could use a hand at the partner company this afternoon. We need someone fast who can assist with slide transitions and last-minute logistics."
Lian hesitated. It wasn't glamorous. But it was a foot back in.
"I'll do it."
The office was sleek, everything about it buzzing with money and innovation. Lian followed the woman inside, helping to fix minor issues, hand out printouts, adjust lighting.
But then, during a break, someone unexpected approached her.
A man mid-40s, firm handshake noticed her organizing documents with calm precision.
"You're one of the interns?" he asked.
"I was," she said, then paused. "I still am. Just… working my way back up."
He chuckled. "We've all been there." Then added, "Tell me something if this entire trip ended today, what would you take away from it?"
Lian thought for a second, then answered honestly, "That no matter how far you fall, there's always a choice to stay down or get back up."
He smiled,impressed. "I'm Charles larmoth head of vance tech.
" I'm Lian...Lian jamiel sir"she replied
"Your the one who missed your presentation yesterday,
" Yes and.... "
He left
The next day
Lian didn't stop.
Even when the others left for the day, even when her stomach grumbled and her head throbbed. She stayed back, helping admin organize the technical files for a secondary panel. It wasn't glamorous, but it was something. It was honest work.
She was determined to climb back up no matter how long it took.
She wanted to leave an impression on this trip
At one point, Pierre strolled in with a wide grin and two iced coffees in hand.
"You've been at this all day," he said, handing her one. "Come out with me. There's this little rooftop"
"I'm busy," she cut in gently but firmly, not even looking up from the slide deck.
Pierre blinked, surprised. He lingered, unsure of what to say next. But the look on her face made it clear her mind was on something else. Not him.
Moments later, Mr. Charles Larmoth returned to the room. He noticed her still working, the quiet way she carried herself precise, respectful, resilient.
"You said something yesterday," he said, approaching. "About falling and choosing to get back up."
She straightened. "Yes, sir."
He studied her for a beat. Then slowly handed her a fresh folder. "Here. There's a research panel I'm short-staffed on. It's higher-level, and I need someone I can count on. If you're serious…"
"I am," she said, hope lighting her face.
"Then consider this your second chance."
Lian exhaled softly, gripping the file. "Thank you."
Charles gave a nod and walked away.
From across the room, Lian caught a glimpse of Salim. He was laughing at something the girl from roof said, his head tilted slightly toward her, that soft, rare smile he usually kept hidden.
But then his gaze shifted. He saw Lian standing there. The smile vanished.
He didn't speak. He didn't nod.
He simply turned and walked away.
The next day, the interns bustled around the hotel lobby, prepping for site visits and tech demonstrations. Lian's name wasn't on any of the group lists. Again.
Salim had made his decision.
But she didn't let it stop her.
She reported straight to Mr. Charles, working as a volunteer assistant under his department. The pace was faster, the stakes higher and the work, more rewarding. She took notes, ran simulations, even offered feedback when asked. She was slowly finding her voice again.
Later that afternoon, as Charles flipped through one of the reports she'd typed, his eyes paused at the name on the cover.
Lian elessar Jamiel
His pen stilled.
Jamiel.
Elessar
His expression changed. Eyes narrowing, lips parting slightly.
That name…
His mind reeled back to a man he hadn't thought of in years. A brilliant engineer. Brave. Outspoken. The kind of man who made enemies by simply refusing to lie.
He was framed for embezzlement.
Disappeared after the trial.
No one talked about him now not even in whispers.
And yet…
Could it be?
Charles stared at her name one more time.
" elessar Jamiel"
"It's him. There's no doubt. She's his daughter."