Chapter 8 - The Challenge Begins

Adhya's POV

The next morning, Adhya walked into the office feeling particularly confident. After yesterday's little coffee accident with Malini and her back-and-forth with Reyan, she felt like she was finally settling into this place.

She greeted a few of her colleagues on the way in, stopping by the pantry to grab a cup of coffee. Priya, one of the more talkative employees, leaned against the counter with a smirk.

"So," Priya teased, stirring her tea, "how's the boss treating you?"

Adhya rolled her eyes. "Oh, you mean the walking iceberg? Just lovely. I feel so cherished already."

Rahul, another colleague, chuckled. "Yeah, good luck with that. Reyan Malhotra isn't exactly known for being... warm."

"I've noticed," Adhya sighed dramatically, sipping her coffee.

Just then, Malini strutted into the room, her sharp heels clicking against the tiled floor. She eyed Adhya with a smirk, clearly still holding a grudge over yesterday's coffee mishap.

"Adhya," Malini said, her tone sickly sweet, "Reyan wants to see you in his office. Immediately."

Adhya raised an eyebrow. "Wow, first thing in the morning? I must be his favorite already."

Priya stifled a laugh while Malini just gave her a tight smile before walking off.

Taking a deep breath, Adhya made her way to Reyan's office, knocking once before pushing the door open.

Reyan was seated behind his massive desk, looking as polished and serious as ever. He barely glanced up as she entered.

"Sit," he instructed, flipping through some documents.

Adhya plopped down into the chair across from him, crossing her arms. "What's up, boss?"

He finally looked at her, his dark eyes intense. "You're being given a project."

Adhya blinked. "A project? Already?"

"Yes," he said, sliding a file across the desk toward her. "This is an important fashion collaboration with Dior. You're going to handle the initial design concepts and presentations."

Her eyes widened as she flipped through the file. This wasn't just any project—this was a huge deal.

"Wait, wait," she said, looking up. "This is a major collaboration. And you're trusting me with this?"

Reyan's gaze was unwavering. "You said you don't want special treatment, didn't you?"

She nodded slowly.

"Then prove yourself," he said simply. "Your work will be reviewed like everyone else's. If it's good, you stay. If not..." He shrugged.

Adhya narrowed her eyes. "Oh, I see what this is. You think I can't do it, don't you?"

He smirked slightly. "I think you talk a lot. Let's see if you can back it up."

Her competitive spirit flared. "Challenge accepted."

As Adhya walked out of Reyan's office, she clutched the file tightly, determination burning inside her. But as expected, Malini was lurking nearby, clearly waiting for a chance to pounce.

"So," Malini said, her tone dripping with fake concern, "what did Reyan say? Did he finally realize you're not cut out for this?"

Adhya gave her a dazzling smile. "Oh, nothing much. Just that I'll be handling the biggest project right now."

Malini's face fell. "What?!"

"Yep," Adhya said cheerfully. "Guess he sees something in me after all."

A few employees who had overheard started whispering, and Priya grinned. "Wow, Adhya, that's huge! Congrats!"

"Thank you, thank you," Adhya said dramatically, flipping her hair.

Malini clenched her jaw but forced a tight smile. "Well, let's see if you can handle it."

"Oh, don't worry," Adhya said sweetly, "I always deliver."

That evening, Adhya stayed late at the office, sketching furiously in her cabin. She had to nail this project—not just for herself, but to prove Reyan wrong.

After hours of working, she stretched her arms and decided to take a short break. She walked toward Reyan's office, seeing that his lights were still on.

Curious, she knocked and peeked inside.

Reyan was still at his desk, deep in thought, his sleeves rolled up, a few buttons undone from his otherwise crisp shirt. His usual untouchable businessman aura was slightly softer in this moment.

"Still here?" she asked, stepping inside.

He looked up, slightly surprised to see her. "I could say the same to you."

She held up her file. "Unlike some people, I actually work hard."

He smirked. "Is that so?"

She walked closer, tilting her head. "You know, Reyan, I think you want me to fail."

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "I don't care if you fail or succeed. What I care about is that you earn your place here."

She crossed her arms, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "You're just scared, aren't you?"

His brow furrowed slightly. "Scared of what?"

"Scared that I might actually be better than you at this," she said smugly.

Reyan let out a low chuckle. "You really think you can compete with me?"

"Oh, I know I can," she shot back.

For a second, there was silence, their gazes locked in a battle of wills. Then, finally, Reyan's lips curled into an almost imperceptible smirk.

"Good," he murmured. "Let's see what you've got, then."

Adhya grinned. Oh, Reyan Malhotra, you have no idea what's coming for you.