“The living roof system will not only keep the building well-insulated,” Vance explained, “but also serve as a teaching tool, showing how buildings can actually help their surroundings.”
Ivy found herself truly impressed. She had checked Vance’s company carefully, but seeing his presentation firsthand confirmed she’d made the right choice. They fell into a natural rhythm, with Ivy explaining teaching aspects while Vance addressed building details.
“The observation deck will provide visitors with...” Vance began.
“...a clear view of the wildlife corridor,” Ivy finished, “which increases the chances of seeing native animals in their natural home.”
Board members exchanged approving looks at their teamwork. The doubt at the start of the meeting was melting away.
The presentation was almost done when the conference room door opened. Architecture instructor and hawk shifter, Lisa Mercer, walked in, her sleek designer outfit and perfectly styled hair making Ivy’s simple blouse and twin puff ponytails seem suddenly childish. Lisa had been expected to lead the nature center project until Ivy’s proposal had surprisingly won the board’s approval.
“Sorry I’m late,” Lisa said, though her tone suggested she wasn’t sorry at all.
She sat in an empty seat, her eyes scanning the presentation materials. Ivy kept her smile, refusing to let Lisa’s arrival disrupt the good mood they’d created.
“As I was saying,” Ivy continued smoothly, “the timeline allows for a grand opening in about eight weeks, with early sight surveys already started.”
“Eight weeks seems too quick for a project this big,” Lisa cut in, her voice carrying fake concern. “Especially under... inexperienced leadership.”
The slight emphasis on “inexperienced” sent a ripple of tension through the room. Ivy felt the familiar sting but kept her face neutral. She’d expected resistance from Lisa, who had made no secret of her disappointment at losing the project lead position.
“We’ve built extra time into the schedule,” Ivy responded pleasantly. “Ronald’s team has a great record for finishing projects on time, and we’ve already gotten all necessary permits.”
Lisa’s perfectly shaped eyebrow raised slightly. “I’d recommend checking the foundations thoroughly before going ahead. That particular site has... historical issues.” With that mysterious warning, she stood up and gathered her things. “I have another meeting. I just wanted to check in on our institute’s newest venture.”
The mood in the room shifted uncomfortably as Lisa left. Ivy could see uncertainty creeping back into some board members’ expressions. She had worked too hard to let one negative comment ruin everything.
“Speaking of foundations,” she pivoted cheerfully, “Ronald and I have prepared multiple soil samples showing the excellent stability of the chosen building site. And while Lisa raises a good point about thorough preparation, I have already prepared the results of our three separate ground surveys.”
Her redirect worked. The meeting ended with the board voting unanimously to proceed with construction according tothe proposed timeline. As people filed out, several stopped to congratulate Ivy on a compelling presentation.
Eric Robins from the environmental impact team approached next, his tall frame and wavy blond hair making him stand out among the board members. He held a thick folder of reports against his chest.
“Spectacular presentation, Dr. Bright,” he said, his blue eyes lingering on her face longer than necessary. “Your passion for conservation education shines through everything you do.”
“Thank you, Eric,” Ivy replied. “Your preliminary environmental assessments made our case so much stronger.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I was wondering if you might want to discuss the water conservation aspects over dinner sometime? There are some innovative approaches I’d like to share with you.”
Ivy smiled politely but took a half-step back. “We should definitely review those with the whole team. I’ll set up a meeting next week.”
Eric’s smile dimmed slightly, but he recovered quickly. “Of course. Whatever works best for the project.” He lingered a moment too long before heading toward the door.
“You handled that situation with impressive grace,” Ronald said quietly as they gathered their materials. “And with Lisa. Mercer doesn’t strike me as someone who gives up easily.”
“Lisa is brilliant and dedicated to the institute,” Ivy replied diplomatically. “We just have different visions sometimes.”
Ronald nodded, respect evident in his expression. “Well, I look forward to working with you, Dr. Bright. If the rest of this projectgoes as smoothly as today’s presentation, we’ll have something truly special to share with the community.”
After finalizing a few construction details with Ronald, Ivy returned to her office, still riding high from the successful meeting. Her space reflected her personality. Potted plants thrived on every surface, many of them rare specimens she’d grown herself. Family photos showed the Bright clan in various settings. Awards and diplomas lined one wall, showing her scientific achievements.
She sat in her chair and started her video call system. Her father’s face appeared on screen moments later, his gray-streaked hair and kind eyes as familiar as her own reflection.
“There’s my girl,” Corey Bright said warmly. “How did the board meeting go?”
“They approved everything, Dad,” Ivy replied, unable to contain her excitement. “Full funding, complete design approval, and the timeline stays intact. We’re really going to make this happen.”
“Never doubted you for a minute, sweetheart. This nature center is exactly what Fate Mountain needs.”
