The next morning, Giselle arrived at the conference room for the Lumina meeting.
Roderick Blackwood sat at the head, his expression unreadable.
"Giselle, your design concepts impressed me," he stated.
Giselle's heart skipped a beat.
"But," Roderick continued, "praises won't make you complacent. You must continue to improve."
Giselle nodded, hiding her disappointment.
She had expected criticism, not acknowledgement.
"Your attention to detail is exceptional," Roderick said, his tone neutral. "Ensure it remains so."
Natasha smiled encouragingly from across the table.
Giselle felt a surge of determination.
"I will, sir."
Roderick's gaze lingered on her.
"See that you do. Hard work, not praise, drives success."
The meeting concluded, and Giselle left with mixed emotions.
Roderick's words echoed in her mind.
Was it a backhanded compliment or genuine advice?
Either way, Giselle vowed to prove herself.
After the meeting, Natasha caught up with Giselle in the hallway.
"Hey, congrats on impressing Roderick! That's no small feat," Natasha said.
Giselle smiled wryly.
"Thanks, but I'm not sure if he was complimenting or critiquing me."
Natasha chuckled.
"That's Roderick for you – always keeping us on our toes."
Giselle sought guidance.
"What do you think he meant? Was it a genuine acknowledgement or just a way to keep me in check?"
Natasha's expression turned thoughtful.
"Honestly? I think Roderick sees potential in you, but he wants to push you to excel. He's testing your resilience."
Giselle nodded, determination igniting.
"I won't let him down. Or myself."
Natasha smiled.
"That's the spirit! Now, let's celebrate with lunch. My treat!"
As Natasha and Giselle walked to the break room, whispers followed them.
"Did you hear Giselle impressed Roderick?" someone whispered.
"Yeah, but he's still tough on her," another colleague replied.
In the break room, they found Ryder and Lucas from the marketing team.
"Hey, congrats on the Lumina success!" Ryder exclaimed.
Lucas nodded.
"We heard Roderick was impressed. That's a first!"
Giselle blushed.
Natasha intervened.
"Let's keep the focus on the project, guys. We've got a long way to go."
Ryder winked.
"We're just happy to see Giselle shine!"
The group chatted, discussing Lumina's potential.
Giselle felt a sense of belonging.
For once, office gossip was positive.
Giselle's confidence grew with each passing day.
She tackled Lumina's challenges head-on, earning respect from colleagues.
Ryder and Lucas often sought her input, valuing her creative insights.
Natasha noticed Giselle's transformation.
"You're blossoming, Giselle! Roderick's tough exterior hides a keen eye for talent," Natasha said.
Giselle smiled, feeling empowered.
"I won't let him intimidate me. I'll prove my worth."
One morning, Roderick summoned Giselle to his office.
Her heart skipped a beat.
What now?
Upon entering, she found Roderick reviewing Lumina designs.
"Giselle, your work shows promise. I have a new challenge for you," he said.
Giselle's nerves dissipated.
"Sir?"
"I want you to lead a smaller project, independently. Prove you can handle it."
Giselle's eyes widened.
"A solo project? Thank you, sir!"
Roderick's expression remained serious.
"Don't thank me. Earn it."
Giselle dove headfirst into the solo project, determined to excel.
She spent long hours researching, brainstorming, and refining her ideas.
Ryder and Lucas offered support, but Roderick's words echoed in her mind:
"Earn it."
Weeks passed, and Giselle's progress impressed everyone.
Natasha beamed with pride.
"Giselle, your project is taking shape beautifully! Roderick will be thrilled."
Giselle smiled, confidence soaring.
"I won't settle for anything less than perfection."
The day of the project presentation arrived.
Giselle stood before Roderick, Natasha, and the marketing team.
With poise and passion, she showcased her work.
Ryder whispered to Lucas.
"She's nailed it!"
Roderick's expression remained stoic, but his eyes sparkled.
"Giselle, your work exceeds expectations. Well done."
The room erupted in applause.
Natasha hugged Giselle.
"You've proven yourself, kiddo! You're a rising star!"
Giselle glowed, feeling validated.
Roderick's nod of approval meant the world.
********************************
Olivia has been doing well. Astrid always came to visit her and would make her feel happy. She didn't forget was she did but was ready to start a new life. Just like what her father discussed with her the other day.
"My child, I see you should start learning to be independent. I have been holding you for long but it's time. You should start learning to live a life you know, I want the best for you and I've not been doing my best. So are you okay with working?"
"Father, this is sudden"
"You can do it my girl. Think about it?"
"Will I work at our company?"
"No. I want you to work under someone else first before you take your position in the company"
"Okay father, I'll think about it "
Olivia didn't know why her father suddenly wanted her to work but she thought it was a good opportunity to start learning to be responsible. She won't change and make amend for the time she wasted and the mistakes she made.