Page 20 of Ranger's Secret

Ms. Chen leans forward, intrigued. "Go on."

"What if Trailbound created a campaign that actually addressed the disconnect? Not just 'buy our gear to save the planet' messaging, but real action A dual giving campaign with multiple touchpoints. Customers can add a donation at checkout that goes directly to park conservation. Plus, stores could host quarterly customer events that raise money. Each store would support local businesses while building real community around shared values. Employees can volunteer their time for trail maintenance, educational programs, habitat restoration.”

Brett tries to interject. "That sounds expensive."

I don't let him finish. "The ROI is that Trailbound becomes the brand that doesn't just talk about loving the outdoors, it proves it. Customer loyalty goes through the roof because they're part of something meaningful. Employee engagement skyrockets because they're contributing to something bigger than profit margins."

"Plus," I continue, looking directly at Jagger, "partnerships with rangers and park services mean access to real experts. Real stories. Real impact that you can measure in acres preserved, trails maintained, species protected."

The silence that follows is electric. Ms. Chen is practically glowing, and even Brett looks grudgingly impressed despite himself.

But it's Jagger's reaction that stops me cold. A slow grin spreads across his face as he watches me, and after a week of him treating me like I don't exist, the attention feels like stepping into sunlight.

"I love it," Ms. Chen says finally. "It's exactly the kind of authentic engagement our customers are craving. Jagger, what do you think? Would you be open to that kind of partnership?"

Jagger's eyes never leave my face. "I think," he says slowly, "it's the smartest thing I've heard all week. The kind of program that could actually make a difference instead of just making people feel good about buying things they don't need."

Heat floods my cheeks at the praise, but I keep my expression professional. "It would take careful planning and the right partners, but I think Trailbound is uniquely positioned to lead this kind of initiative."

"Absolutely." Ms. Chen is already making notes on her phone. "I want to hear more about implementation. Timeline, budget projections, potential pilot programs."

The conversation flows from there, ideas building on ideas. Brett tries to insert himself whenever he can, but it's clear the momentum has shifted. This is my pitch now, my vision, and everyone at the table knows it.

Jagger speaks up about technical details for national forest operations and regulatory requirements. When he does contribute, it's always in support of what I'm proposing, adding depth and credibility to my ideas.

We're a team, I realize. We're working together instead of against each other, and the result is something bigger than either of us could have created alone.

By the time Ms. Chen calls it a night, I'm buzzing with adrenaline and possibility. This could actually work. Not just the campaign, but the entire partnership. Trailbound could become the gold standard for corporate environmental responsibility.

"Excellent work tonight, Delaney," Ms. Chen says as we stand to leave. "I'll want to see a full presentation, but I'm very encouraged by what I've heard."

"Thank you. I'll have it ready by the end of the week."

Brett shakes hands with everyone, his smile tight around the edges. He knows he's lost ground tonight.

Ms. Chen heads toward the exit, Brett trailing behind her like a lost puppy trying to salvage what he can of the evening.

Which leaves me alone with Jagger.

The silence stretches between us, heavy with everything we haven't said all week. He's studying my face like he's trying to solve a puzzle, and I have to fight the urge to fidget under his gaze.

"That was impressive," he says finally. "You really know your stuff."

"Thanks." I aim for casual, but my voice comes out slightly breathless.

"You've been doing your homework. Those numbers, the policy details, you didn't just pull that out of thin air."

I shrug, trying to ignore the way his praise makes my heart flip. "I like to be prepared."

"Is that what you were doing all week? Preparing?"

There's something loaded in the question, something that makes me think we're not just talking about work anymore. "What else would I be doing?"

His mouth curves into a dangerous smile. "I can think of a few things."

My stomach flips, but I force myself to remain calm. We're not doing this. We can't do this.

"I should go," I say quickly, standing and gathering my phone and purse.

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