This war of wills between them was only beginning, and deep down, she couldn't deny that part of her looked forward to the battle.
As the days inched closer to the showcase, Mara threw herself into work with a fierceness that rivaled anything she'd ever taken on. She was determined to make this event a success, partly because of her own pride and partly because she couldn't stand the thought of Ryder proving her wrong.
But for all her frustration with him, Ryder had gone silent over the past few days. He'd disappeared from the studio, consumed, no doubt, by his high-stakes work in the city. She knew enough about his business to understand that he was involved in a world far beyond the walls of Yang Studio. Ryder's media corporation oversaw everything from news outlets to fashion publications, and his days were filled with meetings, negotiations, and boardrooms. She'd heard he ran his company with brutal precision, a hands-on CEO who expected nothing short of perfection from those around him.
In some twisted way, she was grateful for his absence. It meant she could breathe a little easier without his intense presence hovering over her every decision. But as she scrolled through the last of her email confirmations for the showcase, she felt a slight pang of… disappointment? She pushed the feeling aside, telling herself it was just nerves.
Then the door swung open, and she looked up, expecting Ryder. Instead, a stranger strode in a tall, sharply dressed man in his early thirties with a lean, confident demeanor. His dark hair was neatly combed, and he wore a navy suit that screamed sophistication. But unlike Ryder's calculating gaze, this man's eyes held an unexpected warmth.
"Hi," he said, flashing a charming smile as he approached. "You must be Mara."
She blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Yes, that's me. And you are?"
"Evan Ford," he replied, extending a hand. "Ryder's assistant or, well, right-hand man, I suppose. He sent me to help out while he's, uh… buried in board meetings."
So Ryder had sent backup. Mara couldn't decide if she was relieved or annoyed. "It's nice to meet you, Evan. I wasn't expecting… anyone, honestly."
Evan laughed, a warm, genuine sound that immediately put her at ease. "You and me both," he said. "But Ryder wanted to make sure things were running smoothly. He's not the type to let something slip through the cracks. Believe me, if he could be here himself, he would be."
Mara nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. It was oddly comforting to know Ryder hadn't just dropped her and the studio completely. But she kept her face neutral, unwilling to show too much appreciation.
"So, Evan," she said, crossing her arms. "What exactly did Ryder tell you to do here?"
"Honestly? Whatever you need," he replied easily, leaning back against one of the work tables. "Ryder wants everything ready for the big night, so I'm here to take care of the logistics, marketing, and any last-minute details. All you have to do is say the word."
Mara studied him for a moment, trying to gauge if he was genuine. Ryder didn't usually surround himself with people who radiated warmth. "Alright," she said finally. "There's a lot to do, but I could use an extra pair of hands. We're nearly done setting up, but I need someone to handle the guest list and make sure the catering is sorted."
"Consider it done." Evan pulled out his phone, tapping out a quick message. "I'll confirm the catering, follow up with the guest list, and make sure everything runs like clockwork."
As he spoke, she felt her shoulders relax a fraction. She hadn't realized how tense she'd been about the details until now. "Thank you," she said, her voice softer. "I appreciate it. I know you probably have more important things to do."
Evan shrugged, flashing her another smile. "Honestly? Not really. Ryder's been keeping me so busy that I'm glad for a change of pace. I don't usually get to work in art galleries."
Mara chuckled, the tension in her chest easing further. She could see why Ryder kept Evan around. The man was efficient but friendly, a stark contrast to Ryder's intense, often unyielding presence.
"Do you work with Ryder a lot?" she asked, curious to learn more about the man who had seemingly infiltrated her life overnight.
"Constantly," Evan said, rolling his eyes with a chuckle. "He's a perfectionist, so he keeps a close eye on every project. Running Hale Enterprises isn't easy, especially with all the media branches he oversees. News networks, fashion magazines, advertising divisions it's like herding cats. And Ryder's the kind of boss who likes to be in every single meeting, even if it means he's working around the clock."
The image of Ryder buried in meetings, meticulously scrutinizing every decision, felt oddly fitting. She could see him running his company with the same sharpness and attention he'd turned on her studio, bending everything to his vision.
"I guess that explains why he's such a control freak," she said, unable to keep the slight bite out of her tone.
Evan laughed again, shaking his head. "You're not wrong. Ryder's got his own… unique style. But he does care, even if he doesn't always show it in the nicest way. If he's here, he believes in what you're doing."
Mara looked away, not wanting Evan to see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Ryder's support felt like a double-edged sword, pushing her to do better but also reminding her of the strings attached.
"Well," she said, changing the subject. "I guess we should get to work. The last thing I need is for Ryder to come back and find something he can criticize."
Evan gave her a mock salute. "On it, boss."
They spent the rest of the afternoon going through the checklist, making calls, and adjusting the setup. Evan was quick, efficient, and surprisingly knowledgeable about the little details that made events run smoothly. As they worked, Mara found herself laughing more than she had in days. Evan's easygoing nature and quick wit were a refreshing change, making the tedious tasks feel a little lighter.
By the time they'd wrapped up for the evening, the studio looked ready for the showcase, transformed into an elegant display that still held the warmth and creativity Mara's father had instilled. She looked around, a swell of pride filling her chest.
"Looks like we're all set," Evan said, standing beside her with a satisfied smile. "Ryder will be impressed."
Mara rolled her eyes. "I doubt he's capable of being impressed."
Evan laughed. "Give yourself some credit. If anyone can get through to him, it's you."
She felt a blush rise to her cheeks but quickly brushed it off. "Well, thanks for your help today, Evan. I couldn't have done this without you."
"Anytime," he said, giving her a warm smile. "Honestly, this has been one of the most enjoyable days I've had on the job in a while. Ryder usually has me running around corporate offices, dealing with mergers and client complaints. It's nice to be somewhere… human, you know?"
She chuckled. "Happy to provide a break from the corporate grind."
As they locked up, she felt a strange sense of calm. Ryder may have sent Evan as a stand-in, but it had been a welcome change. She was still wary of Ryder's intentions, still determined to prove that she could run this studio on her own terms, but at least she knew she had one ally in her corner.
With the showcase only a day away, Mara could feel the weight of everything they'd worked for hanging in the air. She had no idea what Ryder would think of her final setup, but for the first time, she didn't care as much. This studio was hers, and she'd make sure it reflected her father's vision.
And if Ryder had a problem with that? Well, he'd have to take it up with her.