I'm a reporter, and I've been working in Loreal's Gates Publishing for two years. I work for the popular ladies' magazine 'Empress'. Right now, I'm just writing minor articles, but someday, I would like to write for 'Empress' most popular feature Total Coverage. It's been my dream since entering the company.

'I have to work hard and do my best! If I do, someday I could be the one in charge of Total Coverage! But first, I have to concentrate on the work in front of me!'

As I give myself this pep talk and turn my attention back to work,

"I see you're working as hard as usual."

From behind me, someone places a hand on my shoulder. When I turn around, Mr Eugene, the editor-in-chief, is standing there. He can be strict, but he's also a very reliable boss.

"I'm glad to see you working so hard also try not to work with such a furrowed brow. Leaving that aside, there's something I want to ask you."

"Oh, there you are, boss!"

Just as Mr Eugene starts to speak, Nancy Watson, a younger guy who joined the company after me, comes trotting over. She slides in between me and Mr Eugene.

"Here you go, boss! Here are the documents you asked for earlier, and a letter."

"Letter?"

Mr Eugene looks the letter over and notes the return address. He looks as though he's recalled something, opens the letter, and reads the contents.

"Hmm, I see."

"What does it say?"

"I've been invited to a party hosted by the LS Group, as a representative of Loreal's Gates Publishing."

'A party hosted by that LS Group?!'

The LS Group is a large corporation, whose stock prices have risen continuously over the past few years, attracting a great deal of attention. To be invited to a party hosted by that Group, just makes me think of how amazing our editor is. He takes a sheet of paper from the folder he's holding and hands it to me.

"Sorry, I have to go to a meeting. Put your name on this."

'Why my name?'

I pick up a pen, but I still don't understand what's going on.

"What is this?"

"It's the list of people who will be attending the party."

"What?!"

"I want you to go with me, so put it on my desk after you're finished."

"Me, Mr Eugene!"

He says this rapidly, with no explanation. Before I know it, he's left the room. I lower the hand I had unconsciously reached out to him.

'Well, this high-handedness has also been just like him.'

He's usually kind and gentle, but sometimes he has a wicked streak.

'Even so, how can I go to this party? Why would he decide something like that out of the blue?'

I don't understand his reasoning, but I put my name on the list.

'Alright, Claire Valentine...'