**Ruhi's POV**
"There will be the Main office, and to the right is the Staffroom."
"So, Mr.Malhotra, do you like what you see?"
Me and my Coworker, Roy, presented our new design to the client. This was our company's last chance to seal the contract with Mr. Malhotra, our most important client. We fumbled once, and we couldn't afford to do it again.
"Like it? I love it!"
Mr. Malhotra said with a big smile, a smile worth million to us, Literally.
"If Ruhi stays as your chief architect, we wouldn't need these presentations. The deal is sealed."
He said to our boss, Sundeep.
"Yes, yes. She's the best. Sometimes, I think she should be the boss instead"
Sundeep remarked sarcastically.
Mr. Malhotra shook hands with Sundeep before leaving, ending the meeting. And right after Mr. Malhotra left the office, our boss turned around to face us.
"So, Mr. Malhotra, do you like what you see? Like it? Love it!"
He sneered.
I blinked, my forehead creasing as I turned to him. His sneer lingered, amusement flickering in his eyes. My stomach twisted slightly. Was there something wrong with what I said?
"Sir... I don't understand. Did I say anything wrong?"
He walked toward me, his footsteps deliberate, closing the distance between us. He stopped right in front of me, his gaze sharp and unwavering, and spoke in a low tone.
"You were supposed to send me this design, yes or no?"
"Uh, yes, but-"
I began to explain myself, but he cut me off, his voice firm and irritated.
"I was supposed to present it, but you decided to play the hero at the last minute. Is that it?"
His eyes narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. The frustration in his tone was unmistakable, but there was something else too-resentment, maybe. It made my stomach churn.
"Yes, Sir. It's true I worked at the last minute, but if we get the contract, it'll benefit you, not me."
I spoke carefully, trying to keep my voice steady, though I could feel my cheeks flushing with the tension.
He smirked, crossing his arms.
"You have to make it clear: 'Sundeep is bad, Ruhi is the best.' That's how it has to look. Otherwise, you're just trying to make me look bad."
I bristled at his words, my fingers tightening around the edges of the papers in my hand. I met his gaze, my voice calm, but my eyes betrayed me.
"No, Sir. I never thought of such things. You're the one who sees it like that."
His expression darkened, and he took a step closer. His voice dropped to a cold whisper, barely audible.
"Next time, I'll present. Don't try to pull something like this again."
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure.
"Yes, Sir. In the future, I'll be more careful."
I nodded, feeling the weight of the conversation press down on me. I turned and left the office with Roy, the tension still hanging in the air.