Aria's POV
I stood outside Nova Enterprises with Emily, my assistant, staring up at the modest three-story building in the industrial district.
"This is it?" Emily asked, doubt clear in her voice.
"Yep." I grabbed my briefcase and climbed out.
"Six months without funding. Three failed partnership attempts. And a team that probably resents me before I even walk through the door."
"Sounds fun," Emily said dryly.
The inside of Nova Enterprises matched the exterior—dated furniture, flickering fluorescent lights, and an atmosphere of quiet desperation.
The receptionist barely looked up when we entered.
"We're here to see the department heads," I told her. "Aria Smith from V&A Group."
She pointed down a narrow hallway. "Conference room B. They're waiting."
Emily a
