Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 197

Chapter 197: Stopping Him From Breaking

Clairessa's POV

"Again." I paced in front of my desk, back and forth. For now, it doubled as our makeshift pitch rehearsal space. "Start from the top-and this time, hold your ground during the close. That's where your confidence always slips."

Adrian groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. He launched into the opening of his pitch for the fifth time that hour, fumbling his phrasing halfway through and glancing at me, clearly hoping for reassurance.

"You're still not projecting enough confidence." My voice stayed gentle-so he'd understand it was a suggestion, not a criticism. "They want to believe in you. But that only happens if you believe it first."

"I'm trying," he muttered, his eyes low, heavy with fatigue.

We'd spent the entire weekend like this little sleep, long days, and even longer nights.

Me coaching. Him hanging on by a thread.

We drilled everything-posture, tone, pacing, handling objections, anticipating questions. I cut him off mid-sentence, redirected his focus, refined every word until it hit with precision.

Now, with the weekend behind us and the pitch day fast approaching, the pressure was heavier than ever. Adrian had to nail this. He had to impress the CEO and seal the deal.

I had poured blood and sweat into this project. I couldn't afford to see it fall apart. And beyond that, there was the deal Gabriel and I had struck: if Adrian delivered, the contract between us would end, and my app would finally get funded.

My freedom would be restored.

And that's what this had become:

A battle to the finish line.

Training Adrian felt like walking a tightrope. Gabriel had clearly set me up to fail— but I was determined to prove him wrong.

Adrian's success was my way out, and I was going to make damn sure he was too prepared to stumble. That's why I pushed him so hard.

He was giving it everything he had, but I could see how drained he was. The laptop sat open between us on the table, buried under notes and slides.

His voice was hoarse from repeating the same section over and over.

"Clairessa," he muttered, pushing the laptop aside and slumping into the seat behind him. "Can we take a break?"

I gave him a firm look. “You said it yourself—your dad's expecting you to win Randolph over. If we're going to get this right, we can't take breaks, Adrian."

"I know." He tipped his head back, groaning. "But maybe one way to get it right is

real one. Let's grab coffee. Or go

crossed my arms. "That's a bad idea. Especially now. We're

me, frustration flashing across his face. "Then I guess I'm done for today. My head's spinning. We've been at this for hours, and I can't keep up with your pace. You might be able to power through, but I'm

about to respond,

of a soap opera entrance, her eyes gleaming like she'd just caught us doing

Not surprised.

the project-but that didn't make her timing any less irritating. Her gaze drifted

I asked around." She huffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Your office

He stood. "Nicole, what the

her. "Uh, I

that's not what I'm asking. I don't

What are you doing

like she was doing us a favor. "Joining the

Your father assigned me to

suppress an eye roll. I'd warned

idea-especially knowing how disruptive she could

he thought throwing her into the mix was a

at her, confused and clearly suspicious. "That's not true. You're not on this project. Clairessa, the rest of the team, and I have been working nonstop for weeks. You're not part

sarcastic. "Oh, Adrian Still so self-important. Hate to burst your bubble, but the world

am. Guess he figured your

narrowed his eyes. "There's no way my dad assigned you without telling me.

not going anywhere. Or did

get this job in

locked on hers. "You're right about that. But remember-since I helped you get the job, I

wouldn't dare,"

there, watching their back-and-forth until I'd had enough. Stepping between them, I placed a hand on Adrian's

dad mentioned it a few days ago. The deadline's tight, and he can't risk us falling behind.

Told you I wasn't here to cause trouble. I'm

her squarely. "Nicole, I don't care who asked you to

not here to be useful or if you try to stir up drama-I'll

rolled her

gestured toward Adrian. "Let's get back

crossed dramatically. "So, catch me up. What have you

pointed to the files spread out between us. "You can

barely glanced at

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