The day of the showcase arrived, and Yang Studio looked nothing like it had the week before. The walls were lined with fresh, vibrant pieces of art, curated with an eye for modern sensibilities but still grounded in the deep traditions her father had valued. The tables were set with delicate glassware and fresh flowers, and the catering was already beginning to lay out hors d'oeuvres in the back. Everything was in place.
Mara stood in the center of the studio, surveying the scene. She had been up all night, ensuring every detail was perfect. Now, as the evening's guests began to trickle in, she was left with a feeling she couldn't quite name a mixture of pride and anxiety.
"Everything looks incredible, Mara," Evan said, appearing at her side, his usual grin in place. "You really pulled it together."
She gave him a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks, Evan. I just hope it's enough."
Evan, ever perceptive, glanced over at her. "You've done more than enough. Trust me, this event will be a hit. And if not, well… it's on Ryder, right?" He gave a playful wink.
Mara's lips twitched, but she didn't laugh. Ryder. He'd been a ghost for the last few days, absent from the studio but always hovering somewhere on the edge of her mind. She hadn't seen him since their brief encounter in the office, and she couldn't deny that a part of her had almost… missed him?
No. She'd had enough of his control, enough of his indifference.
But as she stepped into the main gallery to welcome her guests, her eyes instinctively sought out the one person she hadn't quite managed to shake off.
And there he was, standing near the entrance, looking like he belonged in the room and yet somehow out of place. Ryder. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his hair styled neatly as always, his demeanor both confident and distant. He was watching her, and for a moment, their eyes locked across the room.
Mara's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned away, forcing her attention back to the guests. The last thing she needed was for Ryder to think he could unsettle her. She straightened her back, smiled at a few patrons who approached her, and made small talk with the people who had come to support the studio.
But her mind kept drifting back to him.
Ryder finally approached, stepping through the crowd with the kind of purposeful stride that commanded attention. As he neared, his gaze was unwavering, intense.
"You've done well," he said, his voice smooth, but there was something unreadable in his tone. "The studio looks… different. You've made it your own."
Mara forced herself to meet his gaze, trying to hold her ground. "I told you I would."
"I see that," he said, his eyes scanning the room as if taking mental notes on every corner of the space. "The pieces you've chosen have great potential. You've chosen wisely. But..." He paused, as though weighing his words carefully. "You still haven't completely understood the business side of things, have you?"
Her pulse quickened, irritation flaring. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nothing you can't fix." His voice dropped to something more personal, almost teasing. "But I'll make sure you get the guidance you need. If you're ready to take that next step."
Mara felt her teeth clench. "I'm not your project, Ryder. This is my father's legacy, not something for you to try and control."
His expression shifted for the briefest second faint surprise, then something deeper. A flicker of respect? She couldn't tell. "Of course, it's your father's. But you're the one carrying it now. Don't forget that."
Before she could respond, Evan appeared beside her, ever the distraction. "Hey, Ryder. You're finally here," he said, his tone light. "Everything's looking great. You should check out the exhibit."
Ryder's eyes flicked to Evan for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I plan to," he said, before turning back to Mara. "Don't forget what I said."
And just like that, he was gone again, melting into the crowd of guests who had come to admire the art.
Mara stood there for a long moment, her heart racing and her mind turning over the conversation. What had he meant? He'd never been one to offer help, let alone guidance. But she couldn't afford to get caught up in it. She had to keep her focus, keep pushing forward.
The event continued into the night, and it seemed to be going well despite her internal conflict. Guests mingled, admiring the art, sipping champagne, and discussing the pieces. Every now and then, Mara would catch a glimpse of Ryder, his presence cutting through the crowd like a blade. His sharp gaze never seemed to leave her, and she found herself unconsciously glancing in his direction.
But she couldn't afford distractions.
As the night wound down and the last of the guests began to filter out, Mara felt a strange exhaustion settle in her bones. She had kept the smile on her face, worked the room, and ensured everything had gone off without a hitch. The showcase had been a success, and she had managed to avoid the pitfalls she had feared.
Just as she was preparing to leave, she spotted Ryder near the exit, talking with a well-dressed man she didn't recognize. His words were low, but his body language was commanding, as if he were asserting control over the room without raising his voice. As much as she hated to admit it, Ryder had that effect on people. Even in a crowded space, he managed to make his presence felt, leaving a trail of subtle tension wherever he went.
As she made her way toward the door, she nearly collided with him. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the noise around them seemed to fade. Neither of them moved. Ryder stood still, his gaze unwavering.
"You did well tonight, Mara," he said, his voice low, just for her. "I'm impressed."
Mara's heart skipped, but she refused to let him see it. "Thank you," she said stiffly, unwilling to give him more than the bare minimum.
His eyes softened, just a fraction, before the usual steel returned. "Don't get too comfortable," he warned. "You may have pulled this off, but the real challenge starts now. And trust me, I'll be watching."
Her chest tightened, but she stood her ground. "I don't need you to watch me, Ryder."
He nodded, as if acknowledging her defiance. "No, you don't. But sometimes, we need others to push us forward, whether we like it or not."
She looked away, not trusting herself to respond. Ryder had a way of making everything feel like a test, like there was always something more to prove. And even though tonight had been a victory, she couldn't shake the feeling that the real battle was just beginning.
As she turned to leave, she heard his voice again, this time quieter, almost as if it was meant for only her.
"See you at the top, Mara."
And with that, he was gone, swallowed up by the crowd. But his words lingered, echoing in her mind like a warning, a challenge.