The sound of clicking heels echoed through the Manhattan Regal's endless hallways as Ava stormed toward the elevator. Her clipboard was clutched in a white-knuckled grip, her chest heaving as she replayed Julian's latest smug remark. The man had somehow managed to dominate another networking session with his "algorithm is the future" speeches, leaving Ava feeling like she was drowning in a sea of data points and spreadsheets. Worse, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he was winning over some of the more impressionable competitors—and maybe even the judges.
Ryan caught up to her just as she jabbed the elevator button with far more force than necessary. "You're gonna break that thing, Matchmaker."
"Not now, Ryan," Ava snapped, glaring at the elevator doors like they'd personally betrayed her.
