His Dangerous Love On Ice (Olivia and Zane) novel Chapter 197

Olive’s POV

“What problem?” I asked, already dreading whatever Jessica was about to say because nothing good ever started with “we have a problem.”

Jessica shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her fingers still doing that nervous crossing thing, and I watched as her face went through several expressions before settling on something that looked almost apologetic.

“Well,” she started slowly. “I’ve been informed that the project will be launched this week-the Quantum Al campaign that we’ve been working on. The one with all the photoshoot concepts and celebrity endorsements.”

I nodded, not understanding yet why this was a problem.

We’d been working on that project for weeks now, Zane, Antonio and I, have been collaborating on ideas late obviously each person on different days, because I wasn’ t mentally capable of working closely with both of them at the same time, and we have been building something that they were both honestly proud of.

“Okay,” I said carefully. “That’s good news, right? We’re ready for launch.”

“Yes, but ” Jessica bit her lip. “Sophia has requested that we pair up with someone. A popular celebrity girl. To perhaps bring out more inspiration for the shoot and give the board more confidence in the campaign’s direction.”

My stomach dropped.

Sophia.

Of course, this had something to do with Sophia.

“And let me guess,” I said flatly. “The board accepted her suggestion?”

Jessica nodded, looking genuinely uncomfortable now.

“She submitted her strategy and well-they aren’t just going to use your original concept anymore. They want you and Sophia to work together. Collaborate. The board approved her idea, and now you’ll both be working with this celebrity she’s bringing in.”

I felt something cold settle in my chest, spreading outward until my hands went numb.

The woman who hated me. Who’d made it clear from day one that I didn’t belong at the Mercer Company. Who looked at me like I was some kind of disease infecting her perfect world.

“You’re joking.” I said, even though I knew she wasn’t.

“I wish I were,” Jessica said quietly. “The meeting is scheduled for later today. Nina wants everyone there-you, Sophia, the celebrity Sophia chose, and the full creative team. It’s mandatory.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to process this.

All those late nights working on concepts with two Mercer annoying brothers, where one was repelling and the other… Well Zane. And all those ideas we’d built together. All that effort.

And now Sophia was swooping in to take credit, to insert herself into the project, to make my life a living hell.

I wasn’t surprised either at the latest developments, her father was the fucking VP.

“Who’s the celebrity?” I asked, opening my eyes. “Did they tell you who Sophia chose?”

Jessica shook her head.

“No idea. It’s all very secretive. Nina just said it’s someone high-profile. Someone with major influence. Sophia apparently pulled some serious strings to get this person on board.”

Of course she did.

Because Sophia always got what she wanted. Always found a way to win.

I pressed my fingers against my temples, feeling a headache starting to form.

“When’s the meeting?”

“Three o’clock,” Jessica said. “In the main conference room. Nina specifically requested that you be there, that this project moving forward depends on everyone being present and professional.”

Professional.

Right.

Because I was supposed to sit in a room with her and pretend everything was fine. Pretend this wasn’t some calculated move to undermine everything I’d worked for.

“Okay,” I said finally, my voice coming out more defeated than I intended. “Okay. I’ll be there.”

Jessica gave me a sympathetic look.

“For what it’s worth, I think your original concepts were brilliant. Everyone on the team thinks so. This this is just politics. Corporate bullshit that has nothing to do with your actual talent.”

I managed a weak smile.

“Thanks, Jessica. That actually helps.”

She nodded and turned to leave, then paused at the door.

“Olive?”

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