to the floor, reluctant to move. Her hand, which had been reaching for the door handle, hung stiffly by her side. In front of

wly. Her head turned to the side, seeking strength from the onl

othing, merely staring at her in silen

e when I walk in?" Rachel asked soft

u doubting only because you're thinki

st see me as a young person who doesn

first glance. When you walk in, don't look at them. Focus only on moving forward, on your steps. Sit

her that was struggling to stay strong. She nodded slowl

whispered, more to he

he door open. The creaking of the hinges was met with an abrupt silence inside the

floor, creating a rhythm that accompanied her courage. She didn't look at anyone, only focusing o

n did she glance around the room. The stares from the board of directors felt heavy, a m

e. "Today is my first day replacing the previous CEO, so I ne

ed slowly, while others remained silent, t

" Rachel murmu

y. Lucian met her gaze with a slight smile and a calm nod. A simple

was the distribution of company shares, which was being considered for restructuring. However, not all members of th

rm, "Well then, if no one else wishes to provide feedback or re

ements stopped when a hand was raised from the row on the right. A man-who

?" he asked, his voice fl

ace-the annoying smile, the voice she had often heard in her father's hea

ing her eyes. She had expected some interrupt

th you or not as the CEO," Justine said

ection of this conversation. But Justine continu

at if... we have a trial period

ispers began to spread around the table, cre

a leader we can rely on. So, how about for one month, you prove your capabilities

ide of emotions. The suggestion felt like a slap, but she knew

trength from his gaze. But Lucian only stared back at her in silence, offering no signal. No encoura

stood up. She looked at Justine, then

lute. "I accept the trial period. One month. During that time

I will continue to work hard. My experience may not be extensive, bu

After one month, we will sit down again, and you can assess me

nd stood up. Lucian immediately rose and followed her, always one step behind, a

up the stairs to the top floor-the large room th

, but in her heart, Rachel kn

air. The smell of wood, leather, and a hint of coffee-it all brought back memories of David, her father, who seemed as though he was still there. As

he glanced around, and for a moment, she could see her father's smiling image, as if welcoming her as the rightful successor to this

e table, only a few steps away. The sudden silence felt dense between the two of t

unconsciously, full of the sadness that suddenly welled up. Lucian looked at her, h

meeting," Lucian said, trying to offer some comfort. But Ra

gret giving me the company." She paused for a moment, as if those words were too heavy t

ull of conviction, he replied, "Not just for one month, M

something about the way Lucian spoke that made her feel calmer, as if she wasn't alone in this burden.

ad always been connected to her father's presence-made everything feel even more real. It must be the scent of