Absolutely! Here's a revised version 10
Ruby
I stood in front of the massive gates of Royals Crest Holdings, my breath catching for just a second.
They looked like they belonged in a movie—tall, sleek black steel bars etched with delicate gold filigree that twisted into the shape of a roaring lion. The initials RCH gleamed in bold brass lettering at the top center, catching the early morning sun. On either side, towering security cameras followed every movement, and a discreet fingerprint scanner was embedded into a granite panel at the side of the gate. It wasn't just a building; it was a fortress of power, screaming authority and exclusivity.
Two days ago, when I got the email about my internship acceptance, I nearly passed out.
Cassie, Stella, and I had been huddled around my laptop in our tiny apartment living room, practically on top of each other. The moment felt weirdly nostalgic—reminding me of when I first got into Columbia. Back then, Mum and Amber had both been at my side, practically breathing down my neck as I clicked the link. Amber had accidentally elbowed Mum in her excitement, and we all burst into laughter before I even read the result.
This time, the second I saw the words "Congratulations, you've been accepted into the Royal Crest Holdings Internship Program", I just froze.
Then I screamed.
We all did.
So loud and so out of control that Greta, our eternally grumpy neighbor from 4B, came banging on our door with her fuzzy slippers and rollers still in her hair. "Some of us actually sleep in this building!" she'd snapped.
The email further stated:
"You are to begin the internship program on Monday, March 24th at 8:00 AM prompt. This internship will run for a period of four months. Please report to the RCH Headquarters reception with a valid ID. Business attire is mandatory. We look forward to welcoming you to the Royal Crest family."
After I calmed down enough to think straight, the first person I called was Mum.
She cried. Like, full-on happy sobbing. Way more emotional than me. "I knew it, Ruby. There's no way they would reject my baby—not when she's meant to shine." Her voice cracked, but her pride filled every word. "Whoever runs that company is smart to know that."
Maybe he did.
Maybe the CEO—stone-faced and infuriating as he was—recognized something beneath my accidental disrespect. Maybe he figured out I wasn't just a bold mouth. Maybe, somehow, he saw that I belonged here.
We celebrated anyway—with popcorn, homemade nachos, and a Riverdale binge that ended somewhere around 1 a.m.
Except, I didn't last that long.
I slipped away to bed by 10.
I couldn't risk being a disaster today.
No way. Not this time.
So here I was. Checked in by security, badge clipped to my lapel, 20 minutes early.
Plenty of time to settle in, breathe, and not faint.
As I stepped through the main doors, my breath caught again.
The lobby was a testament to innovation and intimidating wealth. Walls of glass soared three stories high, letting sunlight stream in through intricate geometric window frames. A floating staircase made of translucent smart glass wrapped around a central indoor waterfall—yes, an actual waterfall—cascading down into a sunken lounge with leather seating and polished black marble floors.
Holographic displays floated in mid-air, rotating logos, stock updates, and AI-generated art that changed with every step. Sleek reception pods glowed faintly at the edges, manned by staff in sharp black suits who looked like they belonged in a fashion spread.
Everything smelled like leather, lavender, and quiet pressure to be perfect.
This was no ordinary company.
And this… this was just the beginning.