Mina burst out laughing, the tension diffusing as Ryan shot them both incredulous glares. “You two think this is funny?”
“Absolutely!” Mina exclaimed. “It’s like watching a bad reality show unfold right in front of us!”
Ryan opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by Leo, who couldn’t resist one more jab. “Honestly, if you’re going to cause this much trouble, at least invest in some better fashion choices. That tie looks like it came from the clearance rack.”
Mina doubled over, laughing harder, and Ryan’s face turned a shade of crimson. “You think this is a joke?” he growled, trying to maintain some semblance of authority.
“More like a sitcom, actually,” Leo replied casually, crossing his arms. “But you seem to be more of a supporting character than the star of the show.”
“Okay, enough!” Ryan snapped, trying to regain control of the situation. “I’m not going to stand here and be insulted by a couple of children.”
Mina raised her eyebrow, smirking. “Oh, you’re right. We should let you get back to whatever it is you do when you’re not making a fool of yourself.”
“Yeah, go ahead and run along, Ryan,” Leo added, waving him off as if dismissing a pesky fly. “And remember, the next time you decide to stir up trouble, you might want to do it in another zip code.”
Ryan glared at them one last time before storming off, clearly flustered. He hadn’t expected Leo Salvator, the terrifying figure who had loomed like a monster the night before, to transform back into a boy when he was with this girl.
 Mina turned to Leo, her laughter finally subsiding. “You know, for a guy who runs a company, you’re pretty good at making people feel small.”
“Thanks, I take pride in my skills,” Leo replied with a grin. “But seriously, let’s keep an eye on that one. He’s clearly not done yet.”
Mina nodded, still grinning. “I can’t believe I almost got slapped by him. What a way to start my internship!”
“Just another day in the life, right?” Leo said, leading her back toward the conference room. “Welcome to the chaos of corporate life, Mina. Stick with me, and you’ll make it through—preferably without any more dramatic encounters.” 
*
In the boardroom, the atmosphere was tense as Ryan stood before the gathered directors, a rare sight for someone usually so confident. “I want to apologize to everyone for the chaos I caused,” he began, his voice sincere but shaky. “I realize now how my actions have affected not only our project but also the community’s trust in us. I promise to rectify everything.”
One of the directors, a stern-looking woman named Clara, narrowed her eyes. “That’s a bold statement, Ryan. How do you plan to fix this?”
Ryan took a deep breath. “First, I will meet with the community leaders to clear up any misunderstandings and address the rumors I inadvertently spread. I’ll also ensure that the compensation they deserve is processed without delay.”
Leo leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching Ryan carefully. “And what about the damage to our reputation? You know this is more than just a financial issue.”
“I understand, Mr. Salvatore,” Ryan replied earnestly. “I’ll work on a public statement to clarify my position and retract the accusations. I need to regain their trust, and I know it will take time.”
Mina, sitting beside Leo, interjected. “Words are easy, Ryan. We need to see action. You’ve put us all at risk with your reckless behavior.”
Ryan nodded vigorously. “I agree, Miss… Sato. I want to show you all that I can do better. I’m committed to making this right.”
He had been informed by his assistant that the girl accompanying Leo was none other than Mia Sato, the only daughter of the largest real estate empire in East Asia. The revelation had shaken Ryan; he knew how influential the Sato family was, and any misstep could cost him dearly.
Another director, Mark, chimed in. “What about the investors? They’re already jittery after the protests. What’s your plan to reassure them?”
“I’ll hold an investor meeting first thing tomorrow,” Ryan said, his voice gaining confidence. “I’ll present a revised project timeline and a strategy to move forward without further incidents.”
Clara raised an eyebrow. “And what will you say about the disruptions? They need to know the root cause.”
Ryan hesitated but then spoke with conviction. “I’ll be transparent. I’ll explain how misinformation was mismanaged on my part, and I’ll take full responsibility for it.”
“Good,” Leo said, leaning forward. “Transparency is key. But let’s not forget, actions speak louder than words. You have to follow through.”
“I will, Mr Salvatore. I’m ready to put in the effort,” Ryan assured, looking around the table, making eye contact with each member. “I won’t let this company down again. From now on, I promise to communicate openly. I want to be part of the solution.”
Mark nodded. “Alright, then let’s draft a plan of action and hold each other accountable. We can’t afford any more slip-ups.”
“I’ll take charge of the public statement,” Mina offered. “We need to control the narrative before it spirals further.”
Ryan smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Miss Sato. I appreciate your support. I’ll ensure that our message is unified and clear.”
Clara pointed out, “Let’s also set up regular check-ins to monitor progress. We need to stay proactive.”
“Agreed,” Leo added. “I want to see results, Ryan. No more delays.”
“Understood. I’ll make this my priority,” Ryan responded, a determined look in his eyes. 
As the meeting continued, Ryan’s gaze darted toward Mina, his brow furrowing with suspicion. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The woman in front of him—diligently taking notes and occasionally blushing at Leo’s playful whispers—looked nothing like the Mia Sato from the promotional materials circulating around the office.
This Mia’s features were soft and gentle, her oval face radiating warmth. In contrast, Mia was known for her strikingly sharp jawline and commanding presence that demanded attention. Ryan couldn’t help but wonder if he had been misled.
*