I'm not used to silence meaning respect.
But today, the boardroom is silent. Not the uncomfortable kind. Not the kind that waits for me to mess up.32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pQh5X3Whj
This silence holds weight. A silence that says: She just did that.
My presentation just ended—fifteen minutes of hard data, insight, strategy, and bold, unapologetic confidence.32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydmd7OeILF
The campaign I fought to lead—despite being told it was "too ambitious," "too much pressure," and "maybe for someone with fewer... distractions"—just landed our biggest client of the year.
The chairman looks stunned. Ricardo Santillan—Ryan's father—leans back in his chair and exhales slowly, like someone watching an underdog flip the entire game.
Finally, he speaks.
"Well, I'll be damned."
Soft chuckles ripple through the room.
"She took a six-month branding mess and turned it into a multimillion-peso partnership," one exec whispers.
Ryan doesn't say a word.
But he's looking at me like I just cracked open the sun.
After the meeting, I try to slip out quietly.
I make it as far as the hallway before I hear footsteps behind me.
"You know," Ryan says, catching up, "you just made half of them feel underpaid."
I smirk. "Was that a compliment?"
"That was awe, Samantha."
He pauses, then leans in slightly.
"I've seen people sell dreams. But you—you made them believe. You didn't just win a client. You made them bet on you."
I try to brush it off, but he adds—softly:
"You were electric in there."
And something in me lights up.
Not because I needed his approval...32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6cxuVbT2I
But because it means something coming from someone who sees past my surface.
That night, after Angelique's asleep, I check my email one last time.
There's a message from Ricardo Santillan.
Subject: Immediate Consideration
"Samantha,32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4DtcKnZHR
Today you proved exactly what this company needs moving forward.32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzawdOnWXYE
When I retire, Ryan will need someone sharp, grounded, and unshakable beside him.32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e6QoXVLPd
I'd like to speak with you about your future—32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfNyR4pTmw
As Vice President of Strategy."
Istare at the screen.32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPBLBr6IRF
The custody case? The noise?32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaPem5T3TE
It doesn't touch me here.32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4obaK550Bd
Not when I've built a place they can't take away
32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS45mO3dk5j
