Chapter 9 What's wrong with my approach

I walked to Mark's office with a knot in my stomach. I didn't know what to expect, but the urgency in his message had me on edge. The whole day had felt like one big fight, from the boardroom to Elliot's constant criticisms, and now, whatever Mark wanted to discuss could be the tipping point.

When I knocked on his door, Mark looked up, his face serious. He waved me in, and I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.

"Sit down, Clara," Mark said, his voice lower than usual. He didn't waste any time, his expression reflecting a rare intensity. "We need to talk about the project. And about Elliot."

I raised an eyebrow. "What about Elliot?"

Mark leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "He's not happy. About the expansion. About you taking the lead on this."

I swallowed hard. I'd known Elliot didn't think I was ready, but hearing it from Mark made it feel all too real.

"What's he saying?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"He's worried about your approach. He thinks you're rushing into this without thinking about the long-term effects. He doesn't trust your judgment."

I clenched my fists, feeling the familiar surge of frustration. "I can't believe this. I've been working nonstop for weeks, and now he decides I'm not capable?"

Mark held up a hand, his expression softening just a little. "Clara, I know you're capable. You've done great work. But you also know how Elliot works. He's protective of the family business, and he doesn't take risks lightly. He sees this expansion as a huge one, and he's not sure you're ready for the pressure."

I crossed my arms. "I don't need him telling me how to do my job. I'm not some rookie."

Mark's gaze softened. "Look, I get it. But Elliot's not just your colleague. He's the heir. He has a lot riding on this, and he's not about to let anyone-especially not someone he thinks is inexperienced-take the lead on something this big. He thinks you're still too new to handle the weight of the family business."

I exhaled sharply, my mind racing. It felt like everything was falling apart. Elliot was a constant thorn in my side, and now it seemed like Mark was confirming everything I feared. Elliot didn't believe in me. He didn't think I could pull this off.

"And what does that mean for me?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

Mark hesitated before speaking. "It means you need to prove yourself, Clara. You've got the vision, but Elliot's not going to back you unless you can show him you can handle the pressure. You need to make a stronger case to him. Show him you've got everything in control."

I didn't say anything at first. The weight of his words settled on me like a stone. I'd been doing everything I could to prove myself, but it wasn't enough. And it seemed like no matter what I did, Elliot would keep doubting me.

"You're telling me I have to convince him?" I asked, incredulous. "I thought I was already doing that by doing the job."

"You are. But this isn't just about the job. It's about him trusting you. He's never fully trusted anyone who wasn't part of the family. You're going to have to go above and beyond if you want him to take you seriously."

I let out a long breath, frustration swirling in my chest. "So, what? I have to keep proving myself until he finally decides I'm worthy? I'm done with this, Mark. I'm done with him always acting like he knows better than me."

Mark's tone softened. "I know it's tough. But that's the reality. You have to show him that you're not just a business analyst-you're someone who can handle the family legacy."

The words hung in the air between us. The family legacy. What did that even mean? It felt like a trap, a box I'd never be able to break out of. No matter what I did, I would always be the outsider in their eyes, no matter how hard I worked. No matter how much I proved myself.

I leaned back in my chair, trying to think of a way out. But all I could think about was Elliot. And how no matter how much I wanted him to support me, he seemed to only stand in my way.

"Clara," Mark said, breaking my thoughts, "this isn't just about your work. It's about more than that. You've got to show Elliot that you can handle not just the project but the pressure of everything that comes with it. The politics. The family dynamics. All of it."

I stared at him, feeling the weight of his words. The pressure of the project, the expectations, the rivalry with Elliot-it was all stacking up. And I didn't know how much longer I could keep it together.

"I don't know if I can do this," I whispered. "I don't know if I can keep fighting him and everyone else."

Mark gave me a sympathetic look. "You can. But you've got to dig deep. This is your shot. Don't let anyone take it from you-not Elliot, not anyone."

I stood up abruptly, unable to sit still any longer. I needed space. I needed to think. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized something important. Something that made my stomach churn with both fear and excitement.

"I'm going to confront him," I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them. "I'm going to tell Elliot that I'm not backing down. That I'm not going to wait for his approval."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? It's not going to be easy."

"I don't care anymore," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "If he wants to stop me, he's going to have to face me."

Mark nodded, his expression unreadable. "Just be careful, Clara. You might be playing with fire."

I walked out of his office with my mind made up. I had to do this on my terms. If Elliot wasn't going to support me, then I would make him see that I could do it without him. I didn't need his approval. I didn't need anyone's.

As I made my way down the hallway, I felt a rush of determination, but it didn't last long. Because as I rounded the corner, I saw him. Elliot. Standing by the elevator. Waiting.

And for the first time in a long time, I wasn't sure what I was going to say.