The sleek boardroom of Eastpoint Blueprint and Beyond buzzed quietly with the sound of notes being scribbled, fingers tapping on tablets, and slides being flipped on the digital monitor. The air smelled of polished wood and fresh-brewed coffee, a familiar combination that often accompanied her most important meetings.
Across the polished table sat Jameson Grey, the sharp-eyed, immaculately dressed CEO of Artistica Corporation. With a reputation built on launching some of the most promising names in the entertainment industry, he was now venturing into large-scale infrastructure projects—and he wanted Selene to lead the charge.
“Ms. Parker,” he began, his lips curling into a small, knowing smile, “or should I say Ms. Mondiego—I’ve heard about your amazing design way back when you were still studying at Hillwood City University.”
Selene offered a polite smile, her fingers wrapped around the stem of her glass of water. “Thank you. That was a long time ago, but one of the most valuable projects I’ve worked on during my academic years.”
“Truth is,” he continued, leaning slightly forward, “I was one of the silent investors in that campus project. I saw potential in it the moment I reviewed the blueprints. And I wasn’t wrong. That event gave my entertainment company the exposure we needed to sign three major talents we’re managing now.”
Selene blinked, surprised. She hadn’t known that her early design work had such far-reaching effects. “Well, thank you for the compliment. It was a group effort, of course. Many hands and minds contributed to its success.”
Jameson chuckled, tapping his pen lightly on the notepad in front of him. “Maybe so. But it was your design that caught my attention. The moment I got the green light to expand in East City, I made sure to get your name on my list first.”
“I’m honored, Mr. Grey,” she replied, voice calm but proud. “It’s always fulfilling to see that years of hard work are acknowledged.”
“You deserve it,” he nodded. “And now, I want you to lead the design and construction of my expansion project. I’m building three main facilities—an arena for sports and concerts, an art gallery for local and international artists, and a new branch headquarters for my entertainment company here in East City.”
Selene straightened slightly. “That’s an ambitious venture. And a very exciting one.”
Jameson’s smile widened. “It is. But I want it completed within one year.”
She blinked. “One year? Mr. Grey, with all due respect, a project of that scale—especially with three major facilities—will require more time if we want to ensure quality, innovation, and structural excellence.”
“I expected you’d say that,” he replied smoothly. “Which is why you won’t be doing it all alone. I’ve already signed with another construction firm. Your company will focus on the design, management oversight, and the architectural standards. My team will provide the conceptual input, and the third-party firm will assist in construction acceleration.”
Selene considered this. While she preferred full control over her projects from design to execution, collaboration was not foreign to her. It was just... less personal. “And when do I meet the other company?”
“Tomorrow,” Jameson answered. “We’re hosting a joint meeting to finalize design preferences, schedule, and the initial terms of the partnership. Will you be available?”
She sighed inwardly, already recalling her stacked itinerary. “Unfortunately, I have a business review in Central City tomorrow. It’s regarding our West City branch. But I’ll make sure to send my second-in-command architect, our chief engineer, and a legal representative. They’ll relay every detail to me directly.”
“That would be perfect,” he said. “I trust this will be the beginning of a successful collaboration between Artistica Corporation and Eastpoint Blueprint and Beyond.”
Selene extended her hand with a firm grip. “Likewise, Mr. Grey. We look forward to building something exceptional.”
The meeting concluded in a formal adjournment. As the staff began clearing the table, Selene stepped out of the boardroom and into the corridor overlooking East City’s skyline. Her assistant followed a few paces behind with her schedule for the day.
“Ma’am,” the assistant said, “your flight to Central City is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight. You’ll have enough time to go home and pack before heading to the airport.”
Selene nodded absently, her gaze focused on the world outside the glass wall. She could see the towers she helped shape. Each of them carried a piece of her dreams—yet each new project added a new weight on her shoulders.
She turned to her assistant. “Make sure to brief Camilla and Marcus for tomorrow’s meeting with Artistica. I want full notes, audio recordings, and a copy of the proposed design briefs by the time I land.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As she walked away, the heels of her shoes echoing in the marbled hallway, she felt the rhythm of her days ticking forward like clockwork. There was no time to slow down. Not now. Not when so many lives and reputations were tied to her decisions.
And yet, as she glanced at her bag—the familiar velvet box still resting inside—it reminded her that even the most powerful architects can’t design the blueprints of their own hearts.