Chapter 320
The screen displayed a breathtaking skyscraper silhouetted against a starry night sky.
Its architecture was daring and intricate, resembling something straight out of a futuristic alien metropolis.
Mystical engravings adorned its exterior walls. Even more astonishing, each segment of the structure could detach and function independently.
The reflective glass panels mirrored the entire cityscape. It was nothing short of an architectural masterpiece.
The designers in the room erupted in excitement, their voices overlapping as they praised the groundbreaking concept.
Dominic Blackwood rapped his knuckles against the table, and the chatter gradually died down.
He aimed his laser pointer at the screen, his smooth voice filling the room.
"This is my personal vision of tomorrow's architecture. Who can analyze its strengths and weaknesses? Volunteers?"
The team's admiration for their CEO deepened.
As one of the world's top ten designers, Dominic rarely created new works these days, focusing instead on business operations.
Yet this skyscraper proved his genius remained undiminished.
An uneasy silence followed his question.
Everyone wanted to impress him, but no one dared speak first.
What if their analysis fell short? The embarrassment would be unbearable in front of these elite colleagues.
"Bernadette Worthing." Dominic's gaze landed on the architectural design department head. "Your thoughts?"
Bernadette stood on shaky legs, her mind blank.
Despite her senior position, the pressure of all eyes on her was paralyzing.
"M-Mr. Blackwood," she stammered, "your design is revolutionary. The fusion of Gothic and postmodern elements in the interior corridors creates an iconic landmark. It's... flawless."
Bernadette wasn't incompetent—her sharp eye for design had earned her promotion.
But put on the spot, she could only offer flattery.
Even if she noticed imperfections, criticizing the CEO publicly was unthinkable.
A sheen of sweat coated her forehead as she glanced at Dominic's impassive face, her anxiety mounting.
"Evelyn Sinclair." Dominic turned to the newest team member. "Your perspective?"
Evelyn rose hesitantly, more nervous than her supervisor.
Studying the design carefully, she began speaking slowly, then with growing confidence.
"The AI-generated structure exhibits superhuman precision. The glass facade acts as a city-scale mirror, transforming obstruction into spectacle."
"Unlike conventional towers, this one captures its surroundings rather than blocking them."
"The flexible materials provide earthquake resistance—an ingenious solution."
"But..." Her voice strengthened. "The height disrupts the city's skyline harmony."
"The view from ground level feels oppressive rather than inspiring."
"And the very perfection is its greatest flaw because..."
Evelyn transformed when discussing design—her voice clear, her insights razor-sharp.
Her analysis rivaled the firm's top designers, astonishing Dominic and silencing the room.
Applause broke out multiple times during her critique.
Bernadette seethed with jealousy.
'A rookie shouldn't have such insight,' she thought bitterly. 'Dominic must have coached her beforehand.'
The other designers regarded Evelyn with new respect, shocked such depth came from a junior hire.
No veteran had dared critique the CEO's work so boldly.
To everyone's astonishment, Dominic smiled.
The usually stern executive looked radiant, his smile sending ripples through the room like spring breeze across a pond.
Male employees gaped. Was this their intimidating boss?
Female staff members swooned, utterly captivated by his dazzling expression.