Chapter 4

As Annie and Fabian discussed their designs in the office, the anticipation for the project submission hung in the air. The stakes were high, with only the top 5 designs securing permanent positions. Annie, driven by the necessity to secure her job for the sake of her brother, felt the pressure intensely.

Looking sharp and confident, Fabian turned to Annie with a reassuring smile. "Nervous, Annie?"

She nodded a hint of anxiety in her eyes. "More than a little. This means everything to me."

Fabian patted her shoulder. "We've got this. Your design is solid; Mr. Vargas will recognize that."

As they continued their conversation, Samantha, the notorious figure in the office, walked by, overhearing their discussion. With a smirk, she couldn't resist commenting, "Hoping a bit too much, aren't we? The project is mine; I can already tell."

Annie raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Samantha's arrogance. "It's not over until Mr. Vargas decides. We've put our best into it."

Samantha leaned in, her tone condescending. "Sweetie, you need more than just hard work. Mr. Conrad already assured me; that it's all about playing smart. Time to learn the ropes, rookies."

Fabian, usually reserved, couldn't help but retort, "Well, some of us believe in earning success, not just being handed assurances."

Samantha chuckled, dismissively waving them off. "Suit yourselves. But when I'm celebrating my success, don't say I didn't warn you."

As Samantha sashayed away, Fabian turned back to Annie. "Ignore her. Let our work speak for itself. We'll see who Mr Vargas favours."

Annie nodded a determined glint in her eyes. "You're right, Fabian. Let's focus on presenting our best, and may the deserving ones succeed."

The tension in the office lingered as the interns put the finishing touches on their designs, each hoping to catch Mr. Vargas's discerning eye. The project submission day had arrived, and the fate of their careers hung in the balance.

In the conference room, the interns gathered anxiously as the project manager called them to attention. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they prepared to present their designs for the hotel's lobby.

Meanwhile, back in Emi Vargas's office, Mr Vargas himself was seated at his desk, processing the unexpected turn of events. His son's desire to join the family business took him by surprise, and his thoughts raced with the implications.

"Join the business, and start with whatever project is going on?" Mr. Vargas repeated, his astonishment evident.

His son, determined, nodded. "Yes, Dad. I want to be a part of Vargas Enterprises. I've been thinking about it for a while now."

Emi Vargas, still processing the revelation, finally spoke. "Okay, but Leo is currently heading an ongoing project. He is going to select his team today."

The son smiled. "Perfect, Dad. I want to choose my team as well. How about we turn it into a friendly competition? Each team proposes two designs for the project, and whichever the client approves, wins."

Emi Vargas couldn't hide his shock at the unexpected proposal. He had never imagined that his firstborn would express interest in the family business. After a moment of contemplation, he finally agreed, "Alright, let's do it that way. Choose your team wisely, and let's see what you can bring to the table."