The Heart Of The Empire

ation headquarters, the most prestigious address in the city and the company behind her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She took a deep breath and glanced down at her presentat

ister Corp. and was instantly overwhelmed by its sleek modernity. Stark white walls, chrome accents, and po

r, offering a handshake. "Welcome to McAlister Corporation. I'm Elise

it didn't betray her nerves. "Is there

ter's schedule is tight, so he'll want you to be concise. He's very... particula

sly hard to please-intense, critical, and known for his high standards. Stories circulated about meetings ending abruptly, of pla

se. I appreciat

ng view of Manhattan. There, Diana arranged her materials on the polis

door opened, and

all, with broad shoulders and sharp, chiseled features. His dark hair was cropped short, and his piercing gray eyes scanned the room, assessi

xtending her hand. "Mr. McAlist

ssion remained unreadable. "I've heard good things a

tone, taking a deep breath to ground herself. "I think

from her, folding his hands

n and timeless elegance. Her design wasn't just a building; it was a statement, a representation of McAlister Corp.'s values, crafted to make a lasting impact on the cityscape. S

y indication of his thoughts. His silence made her all the more conscious of every word, every gesture

ll step back, hoping her expressi

hrough her notes, his movements slow and deliberate. "Explain your choice to include these vertical gardens. How do you

on she'd prepared for, but somehow, coming f

by improving insulation, reducing urban heat, and lowering cooling costs. Beyond that, they provide an oasis within the city, a connection to na

elieve that nature in the workp

at McAlister Corp. has the opportunity to set an example in this industry. You can choose a building that merely functions, o

as if he'd found her response intriguing. Then, as

if these gardens and sustainable elements are such a b

pfront costs. But the long-term payoff is undeniable-and it's a chance to lead rather than follow. This design

f reassessing. There was a pause, long enough that she s

ged with something she couldn't quite read. "It's not often so

ept her expression steady. "Thank you,

wrong, you'll be held accountable for every cost overrun and

but she met his gaze without hesitation. "

Ms. Hartley: I don't tolerate excuses. If you encounter an issue, y

g the thrill building in her chest. She'd don

steps." He turned to leave but paused at the doorway. "Welcome to McAlister Corporati

pounding. "I am, Mr.

y a rush of exhilaration. She'd gone up against one of the most powerful men in the industry, and s

-

McAlister Corporation meant her work would be seen on one of the biggest stages possible. It would open doors she'd only

d heard stories from colleagues who spoke of his relentless drive and notorious perfectionism. But n

d her as a person, weighing her convictions and her resolve. And as nerve-wracking as it had been, there w

design boards with a renewed sense of purpose. This was her chance to make her mark, and

ng for a man like Colton wouldn't be easy. She couldn't afford to let down her guard. One misste

ver built anything extrao

w high the stakes were. And she couldn't w