NovelUSAChapter 239 Victor had been given the honor of the center seat in the conference room-a rare concession for someone of his stature.
He lounged back with effortless composure, one leg crossed over the other, his long legs wrapped in immaculate black slacks. There was an easy confidence about him, his dark eyes reflecting the overhead lights with a casual, almost indifferent shimmer. But his gaze eventually settled on the woman standing at the front of the room.
The atmosphere shifted the moment he entered. Suddenly, everyone in the room seemed to sit up straighter, as if the air itself had grown heavier.
Despite Victor's relaxed demeanor-there wasn't a trace of sternness about him -he somehow commanded everyone's attention. Even without trying, his presence put the entire room on alert.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSeated beside him were several shareholders involved in Horizon Architects' investment project.
Howard, the deputy standing next to Jonathan, swallowed nervously as he took in the scene. "Mr. Oakley, why is President Fitzgerald here all of a sudden?" "Horizon Architects is just one of many minor projects The Fitzgerald Group invests in, and we're only at the stage of selecting a design firm. He's got far bigger things on his plate-why would he bother showing up?" Jonathan shot him a look. "You don't get it. This proves Mr. Fitzgerald values the Horizon Architects project. We need to put our best foot forward-show him that whether it's picking a design firm or anything else, our team is top-notch." At the front of the room, Isadora mentally rehearsed her presentation. She'd been ready to start, but the sudden arrival of Victor Fitzgerald had interrupted her momentum.
Addressing a room of nearly fifty people didn't faze her; she was used to it. But now, with Victor sitting dead center, his eyes fixed on her, it was different.
His gaze was intense, twin sparks in the dark, and maybe it was the angle, maybe her nerves-she almost thought she saw a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
For a moment, Isadora was transported back to her school days, standing on stage while a teacher watched from the audience, ready to critique every word. The nerves prickled at her scalp.
Jonathan made his way to Victor's side, his stocky frdropping into a crouch.
"Mr. Fitzgerald, Horizon Architects has already shortlisted two renowned design firms. We just need one more candidate. So today, we've invited the two firms to present their proposals again, and we'll make our selection based on these presentations." Victor arched an eyebrow, the faintest hint of a smile curving his lips. He tapped his long, elegant fingers thoughtfully on the table.
"Go ahead then," he said lightly, "no need to keep our designers waiting. I'm just here to observe pretend I'm not even here." He made it sound easy, but no one in the room was about to pretend Victor Fitzgerald was invisible. Jonathan turned to Isadora. "Ms. Vaughan, you may begin." Isadora took a deep breath, deliberately focusing her gaze beyond Victor, trying to ignore the burning intensity of his eyes.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Isadora from Seafarer Designs. For the Horizon Architects resort project, our design takes a fresh, differentiated approach..." She built on Rowena's original concepts, adding her own innovative ideas, painting a vivid picture of what the finished resort might look like. As she spoke, people in the room began to nod in appreciation, clearly picturing the dreamlike final product.
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Once she finished, Isadora offered a small bow and stepped down from the stage. For the first time, she dared to look directly at Victor. He caught her eye, lips curved in a subtle, approving smile. In his dark, expressive gaze, it was as if entire galaxies were swirling.
Even from two meters away, the look he gave her-deep, appreciative and unwavering-sent a thrill through her. Just for a moment, Isadora felt a rush of unexpected joy. Next up was Brown, the lead designer from Gemini Collective, stepping forward to present their firm's vision.
After both presentations, the five project directors from Oakley Construction each gave their scores.
A little while later, Jonathan returned to the front, ready to announce the results.
Wendy glanced over at Rowena, who was frowning with worry. "Don't stress, Rowena. Both designs were Mena.
strong, but Isadora presented a whole new concept. There's no doubt in my mind her team's getting picked."
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