Chapter 53. Dinner?

Camila’s heart still pounded with the adrenaline of triumph as she stepped off the stage, the echoes of applause ringing in her ears. The scent of victory was sweet, but it wasn’t just her own. She owed a debt of gratitude, and as she scanned the room, her eyes found Travis leaning against the back wall, his arms crossed over his chest and a knowing smile playing on his lips.

“Travis!” Camila called out, her voice a mix of excitement and relief. Her heels clicked on the polished floor as she made her way to him, the weight of her victory making her steps buoyant.

“Congratulations, Camila,” Travis said as he unfolded himself from the wall, that warm smile never leaving his face. “I always knew you had it in you.”

“Thanks, but I didn’t do it alone,” Camila replied, her deep brown eyes locking onto his blue ones. “Your advice, those late-night strategy sessions... I couldn’t have nailed the preliminary and final rounds without your help.”

“It was nothing,” Travi