Ava Parker strode into the office with her usual confident manner, heels clicking on the tile floors as she made her way to her corner office. As one of the top advertising executives at Kravitz & Associates, Ava had worked hard to earn her own spacious office with a view. 


Settling in at her desk, Ava booted up her computer and reviewed her calendar. It was shaping up to be another packed day filled with client meetings and strategy sessions. Ava didn't mind the busy schedule. She thrived on it. She was ambitious and driven, qualities that had helped her rise in the ranks over her 8 years at the ad agency. 


At 32, Ava was already considered one of the top executives at K&A, a rare occurrence for a black woman her age in this industry. She had landed several major accounts that had raised the agency's profile, including a coveted jeans company and a popular athletic brand. Her creative concepts and relentless work ethic had impressed both clients and bosses alike.


But Ava knew she couldn't get too comfortable. The ad world was fickle and competitive. There were always bright young talents looking to dethrone her and take her spot. Her rival Julian Reed in particular seemed determined to best her. They frequently competed for the same accounts, trying to prove who could craft the better campaign. 


Ava couldn't deny Julian had talent. His concepts were clever, though they lacked strategic planning. He flew by the seat of his pants, whereas Ava took a more meticulous approach. They clashed frequently in the office, both lobbying hard to win over clients. She found Julian arrogant, entitled, and reckless. But even she had to admit he had undeniable creative chops. 


As Ava reviewed the notes for her morning meeting, she sighed. Today she was pitching a campaign for an athletic wear company. Ava knew proving herself meant occasionally ruffling feathers. Though she kept up a polished, professional demeanor at the office, she wasn't afraid to be cutthroat when needed. Her ambition fueled her, even as she paid the price of having less time for a personal life. For now, her career took priority. All she needed was her next big account victory to feel satisfied and rewarded.


Just then, Ava's phone rang. She expected it to be her assistant letting her know the athletic wear clients had arrived. But instead, it was her assistant saying that Mr. Kravitz needed to see her immediately in the main conference room.


Ava felt a pit grow in her stomach. Had the meeting been canceled? Surely Kravitz wouldn't have her come to the conference room just for that. No, this must be something else. 


Hanging up the phone, Ava tidied up the presentation she had been planning to give. She straightened her blazer and headed briskly out the door towards the main conference room. Her mind raced with possibilities for what Kravitz could want to see her about. But she never expected what he was about to propose. 


Ava walked down the hallway, her confidence only slightly shaken. She knew she was Kravitz's top advertising executive. Maybe he just wanted her input on a new business strategy or client. Yes, she reassured herself, that must be it. 


Approaching the conference room, Ava took a deep breath. Time to find out what the big boss needed. She turned the corner and reached for the door handle, ready for anything. Or so she thought.


******


Julian Reed sat at the long glass conference table, absentmindedly doodling on a notepad. He checked his watch again. He had been waiting almost 15 minutes for this mysterious meeting with Mr. Kravitz. 


As he leaned back in his chair, Julian wondered what the agency president could want. As far as he knew, Julian didn't have any active pitches or major campaigns underway. But Kravitz must want to see him for some reason.


Julian wasn't used to being left in the dark. As a rising star creative director at the agency, he typically had the inside track on new business. His bold ideas brought a fresh energy that clients responded to. 


Sure, he was unorthodox compared to the other executives. He didn't always go by the book - he followed his instincts instead. While some saw it as recklessness, Julian saw it as being innovative. Rules were made to be broken in advertising, especially if it got results.


But his style didn't always go over well with the other executives. Especially Ava Parker. She was constantly shooting down his ideas as too wild and outlandish. They butted heads frequently ever since he had joined the agency three years ago. He had talent, she had grudgingly admitted during a meeting, but Ava seemed determined to keep him in his place.


The truth was, Julian and Ava were very much alike. They both had raw ambition, tireless drive, and keen instincts. But Ava played by the rules, while Julian loved coloring outside the lines. 


Julian didn't mind ruffling Ava's feathers every once in a while by taking risks. So what if he burned bridges or stepped on a few toes? Advertising was all about making a splash and taking risks, in his opinion. Some of his fellow executives might not like his methods, but the clients sure did.


Just then the conference room door opened, interrupting Julian's thoughts. He sat up straight, expecting to see Mr. Kravitz enter. But instead, it was Ava Parker, her expression equally perplexed when their eyes met. She slowly entered the room, taking a seat across from him. 


Before either could ask why the other was there, Mr. Kravitz strode in. “Thank you both for coming,” he said briskly, taking a seat at the head of the table. “I have some exciting news.” He glanced at them both over the rim of his thin black glasses. 


Julian and Ava exchanged tense looks. Where was this going?


“We have the opportunity to pitch a major new account,” Kravitz continued. “The Anderson Bourbon Company is looking for a new creative direction. I need my two best executives on this.”


Julian's eyes widened as it hit him - Kravitz wanted him to work with Ava. He opened his mouth to protest. But Kravitz held up a hand. 


“I know you two have your differences. But the Anderson account is crucial. I trust you both to put that aside and deliver excellent work.” He stood signaling the meeting was over and there was no room for further discussion. “I'll expect your pitch in one week.”


As Kravitz exited, Julian and Ava sat stunned. Working together? That had disaster written all over it. The door closed, sealing their fate.