{HERMIONE} THREE DAYS LATER
“What if they hate my speech and decide to pull out?” I ask Zara, covering the tip of the mic before my anxiety gets announced to the whole room of investors.
“Oh God, Hermione, they won’t.” Zara rubs her forehead like she’s already tired of me.
“You stood in front of hundreds of people a few days ago. This is just sixteen investors. Sixteen. And you’re panicking?”
I suck in a deep breath, holding it in my chest like it can slow down my heart, but it only makes it worse.
The mic sits ready in front of me. The black gown I chose this morning feels tighter every second I move.
“Look at your assistant,” she nudges me with her elbow. “He looks like he works for Vogue.”
I glance toward the entrance. Samuel is there with a file in hand, checking names as peop
