The Billionaire's Secret Curator

l for the upcoming exhibit was due today, and anxiety twisted in my stomach like a knotted string. I had spent c

operate trousers, a matching blazer and black heels. It was my go-to outfit for important meetings, a simple yet eleg

hat if they don't see the vis

isp, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside me. I had arranged to meet Maria for breakf

, her bright smile lighting up the dimly lit room. She waved ent

a exclaimed, wrapping me in a w

with a smile. "Nervous. Today's the

sit. "Let's get some coff

. The vintage decor, the soft music playing in the background, and the warm

about my night at the gallery. "So, tell me what about Fe

leasant. He approached me to discuss the sculpture of the exhibit, but it turned into him

e can be insufferable. Why do y

t made me uncomfortable," I replied, swirling my coffee nervously. "I just do

s attitude get to you. You know what you're capable of, and your proposal

d feel more confident about it. The gallery's financial struggles make it dauntin

"Have you had a chance to meet with th

l be present for the proposal today. I just hope

ia's encouragement, I felt more prepared to face the board. We chatted about everything an

ed at my watch and felt my stomach drop. "I need to head back to t

ng smile. "Just remember, you're not alone.

ed, my heart pounding as I stepp

with people, but I felt like I was in a bubble, disconnected from the world

felt a knot form in my stomach as I stepped into my office, where my proposal materials lay sca

s expression was stern, a reminder of the pressure I faced. "Isabella, the bo

ing to sound more c

of the exhibit and how it aligns with our financial goals. They c

ther. Critical? The last thing

tors had gathered. A long table filled with serious faces awaited me, each member looking expecta

my presentation. The gallery's main space was filled with the carefully chosen a

within me. "I'm excited to share my vision for the upcoming exhibition. I believe we have a unique opport

heir brows, their skepticism evident. "This sculpture, for instance, challenges traditional concepts

of disapproval. "Isabella, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, I'm worried about the quality of these

rd. "I understand the budget concerns, but I believe these pieces offer something fresh and vital. This exhibi

e a reputation to uphold. Are you certain these artworks will

hrough the room. The more I spoke, the more the board members whispered among themselves, their do

llery, hoping for some support, but his expression was hard to understan

sion, I believe that taking a chance on these artworks could not only elevate our galler

still marked with skepticism. The silence was d

leared his throat, breaki

before we proceed, I'd like to ask everyone except Isabella to v

peak to me alone? The board members looked taken aback, exchangi

I felt a wave of confusi

this has been a challenging process. I want you to know that I

d. Did I really do that poorly?"

o change, especially with the financial constraints we're under. They've been conditi

tainty. "Then why did you ask them to l

sal more deeply, and I think there may be a way to bolster your presentation. However, it's going to requ

do that?" I asked,

may be interested in supporting the gallery's future exhibitions," he said, his eyes narrowing with

ad. "But what if they still don't see

passion and the vision. The board needs to feel that passion from you, too. They have to u

, his expression shifting from serious to cautionary. "We'll talk more s

echoing with the weight of his words. I couldn't shake t

been searching for? And if so, what w

er lay ahead would change everything. I took a deep breath, ready to f