rnissa arrived at th

hecking the day's meetings, and mentally preparing for ba

red on as Mr. Boateng arr

sir," she said

e. "The Tokyo investor bri

d immediately. No q

ee gently on his desk-black, no suga

she th

sip, and paused mid-se

y, covering the receiver with his palm. "

ed. "I-used th

e common

es

filtered dispenser. Always. You're rep

d, but she nodde

all. She turned to w

replac

swer. He did

he had to run across the 17th floor twice to deliver signed contracts. A

skipped break

quarterly performance sheet?"-she had i

, almost..

mo

oom as he discussed expansion plans with the executive team

came th

t looking, "the competitor

fr

11 was

art st

s removed yesterday whe

her. His tone like ice s

tho

s told the pricing analys

sumptions are a luxury.

s,

silent. Judgi

hing had happened. But Vernissa could

and the halls were quiet, she stood by th

ice him standi

nd yourself?" Mr. Bo

tartled. "Wha

t wasn't your fault. The ana

r. I'm your assistant. If it g

"Most people scramb

people," she r

too close, but enough t

ight. You

pulse fluttered, but he

s he came, he turn

at 7:30,"

a while longer

the files. Not

could still feel

dn't know what s

appr

s att