Elena closed her computer as the board meeting ended, compiling her notes with a sense of accomplishment. She'd spent the previous week studying over Mia's contemporary day idea, a skillfully prepared strategy for a whole new difficulty that, at first view, appeared flawless. But the farther Elena probed, the more flaws she discovered, hiding beneath numbers that didn't quite add up and projections that were too optimistic to be true. She had brought the disparities to light at some point during the meeting, her calm, sharp inquiries unraveling Mia's idea like a loose thread.
As she prepared to leave, she noticed Jack Thompson approaching. The senior executive had a quiet, watchful presence, and she'd seen how his assessments influenced the room's decisions. His normally harsh countenance softened slightly, as if something was bothering him.
"You saw through Mia's thought," he said with admiration. "not many people may want to have stuck those discrepancies."
Elena flashed a faint, knowing smile. "now and again the prettiest packages include the worst surprises."
Jack grinned and nodded in accord. "Mia has a way of making things look pleasant. However, you saw straight through it. Elena, your art is fantastic."
She accepted the compliment with a modest nod, keeping her face composed. "thanks, Mr. Thompson."
"Call me Jack," he replied, his smile slightly warmer now. He gestured them down the hallway, and they went together, the bustle of personnel around them lessening as they turned along a quieter hall.
Jack looked at her, his face thoughtful. "I've been in this profession for a long time, Elena. I've seen people come and go, especially those who rely more on charm than substance." He waited, selecting his words carefully. "But your approach is direct and precise, which is unusual. It is effective.
Elena felt a flicker of satisfaction. "I accept as true with regard to being thorough," she said, shrugging slightly. "This organization merits greater than shortcuts and smoke and mirrors."
Jack nodded, his stare becoming sharper. "That is exactly why people like Mia do not like you. She's pushy and very protective of her image. You'll want to be cautious.
Elena lifted her eyebrow. "I didn't come here to make friends, Jack. I came here to complete my assignment properly."
"proper." Jack's voice softened, but his stare stayed unwavering. "But I've seen how she plays, and it's never true. Keep an eye out for yourself again."
Elena felt a chill come over her as the subtle caution hung in the air. She was aware of Mia's fame and had personally witnessed her ruthlessness. However, having a best friend in someone as seasoned as Jack provided surprising relief. She had prepared herself to face Mia's manipulations alone, with no one to support her. Now it appeared that she wasn't as isolated as she had thought.
They got to the elevator, and while they waited, Jack looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I haven't visible someone venture Mia like that during a long term," he said me. "It's clean."
Elena tilted her head in curiosity. "You seem to understand her properly."
Jack exhaled, a look of reluctant admiration on his face. "We've worked together for years. Mia is unquestionably formidable and clever. However, she is choosy in how she gets completed tasks.
The elevator doors swung open, and they entered, with Jack pressing the button for his floor. Because the entrances were closed, he looked at her directly. "If you continue to be severe on her, she will not take it well. And Mia does not back down."
Elena maintained his gaze, a spark of rebellion lighting in her eyes. "Neither do I."
He smiled briefly, as if he hadn't expected anything less. "Accurate," he said simply. "simply be prepared for her to strike returned."
When the elevator came to a stop, Jack got out and gave her a respectful gesture before departing down the hallway. Elena remained inside, watching the doors close, feeling an unusual mix of confidence and anxiety. Jack's warning lingered in her memory, reminding her of the perils she faced. However, she was not afraid. If anything, it increased her want even more. Mia could play her games, but Elena was determined to hold her ground, no matter the cost.
Later that day, Elena returned to her desk and received an e-mail notification. It came from Jack, a brief note praising her performance during the meeting, along with an attached report headed "internal reviews - Q1 evaluate." She opened the attachment and discovered a wealth of knowledge, facts, and insights that were beyond her current admission level. Jack had offered her a strategic perspective, a look into the organization's inner workings.
Her chest clenched with thanks and a tinge of distrust. This was more than just a show of support; it evolved into an unspoken alliance. He ended up arming her with data, giving her an advantage against Mia. She knew better than to fully embrace as true with everyone in the organization worldwide, but Jack's gesture felt like an olive branch, a diffused offer of guidance.
Rebecca paused at her table, gazing over with a puzzled expression. "What's were given you looking so severe?"
Elena quickly minimized the document and photographed herself smiling. "There are only a few reports from the board assembly. "Not anything too exciting."
Rebecca gave her a suspicious look but didn't pursue any further. "So," she asked, folding her fists, "how does it make sense to take down Mia in front of everyone?"
Elena smirked, her tone low. "It feels… pleasant."
Rebecca giggled gently, her eyes bright with delight. "right. "She should use some truth."
Elena nodded, but her mind returned to Jack's comments and the silent struggle gathering around her. The pride of the morning's victory had already given place to a steely resolve. She knew Mia would not allow this go; her competitor could be formulating her next move, ready to strike lower back.
Elena felt a tiny tug of dread as she left work that evening, but she fought it down. She had come too far to let dread drag her down. If Mia wants a fight, she might have it, and Elena could be ready.
In the following weeks, Jack continued to provide subtle guidance, offering insights into Mia's approaches, advise on handling boardroom politics, and even introducing her to some of the agency's most prominent people. Each bit of knowledge, each nod of affirmation, added to her armory, making her function more potent and her solution stronger.
One afternoon, after a particularly stressful assembly, Mia cornered her in the hallway, her demeanor a picture of forced courtesy.
"Elena," she began, her voice casual, "you appear to be getting quite at ease around here. I've seen Jack Thompson has taken quite an interest in you."
Elena met her eyes unmoved. "Jack values challenging artworks and repercussions. "Maybe you should think about that."
Mia's smile became chilly. "Be cautious, Elena. A few alliances might be as vulnerable as they are beneficial. Humans have the ability to switch sides when it suits them."
Elena's brows narrowed, her heart raced, but she kept her voice steady. "Mia, I know how matters are painted. I'm only here to complete my task."
Mia chuckled gently and leaned in closer. "In case you say so." However, don't think I haven't observed you searching around in those reports. Consider this: even allies can become adversaries.
She turned and went away, leaving Elena standing there, the weight of her words lingering. Mia had seen her increased access to those materials and her growing influence. It became a warning, a promise, as she observed each circulate Elena made.
As Elena returned to her desk, she felt a shudder shoot through her. The stakes had been raised, and Mia tightened her grip. However, Elena refused to back down, not now, not when she was so close to proving herself.
That night, as she sat alone in her condo, going over the data Jack had given her, she couldn't shake the impression that she had turned into a razor-thin line. Her partnership with Jack was lucrative, but it came with risks, and Mia's presence cast a shadow over every success she achieved.
Nonetheless, when she closed her computer, a sense of purpose flooded her. She became proficient at living in fear and being cautious for the benefit of others. Her direction was clear and her objective steadfast.
And as long as Mia is watching, Elena can make sure to put on a show that is well worth watching.