N'S

ernoon

ry during routine staff meetings somehow transformed into a stage for her natural authority. I sat in my usual spot three seats do

k in a style that emphasized the elegant line of her neck. When she spoke, her voice carried the kind of confidence that

, "I want to acknowledge the exceptional work being done on the Meridian Industries analysis. Ryan has

cross the table, while Jake nodded approvingly. But it was Victoria's expression that held my attention-there was someth

oice steady despite the flutter in my chest. "I'm

, and I felt my heart rate increase as she maintained eye contact. "It takes real strategic think

other than Victoria's presence. The way she gestured when making a point, the slight tilt of her head when considering a colleague's question, the music

nal analysis?" Victoria's question snapped me back to attention, and I re

d, grateful that my preparation allowed me to respond confidently despite my momentary

le seemed warmer than strictly professional, or perhaps that was sim

rence room, Victoria approached my chair with the graceful stride tha

ent, Ryan? I'd like to di

ious conference room. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting golden highli

, closing my notepad and givi

smaller and more private. When she returned to the table, she chose the seat directly adjacent to m

gan, her voice carrying a warmth that made my breath catch slightly. "Your work on t

I've genuinely enjo

ve been in this business for over a decade, and I can recognize natural talent when I see it.

, and I had to consciously work to maintain my professiona

ace with an intensity that made it difficult to maintain eye contact. "I've been thinking

e to the company's success," I replied, perhaps wi

to blur. "I'm considering recommending you for promotion to senior analyst. It would mean a significant increas

worked toward since joining Sterling & Associates, but more importantly, it would mean working even mo

e for such a position," I said, trying

ut I want you to understand that advancement at this level requires complete dedication. The senior analyst po

y, Ma'am. I'm prepared

said finally. "Which is why I'm going to arrange for you to accompany me to the Meridian Industries presen

essional setting beyond the confines of our daily office routine, filled me wi

asted only seconds but sent electricity through my entire nervous system. "Y

ess the implications of our conversation. The promotion opportunity was certainly significant from a caree

called my attention bac

, Ma

e has the combination of analytical skills and strategic thinkin

l inches above the ground. Her words echoed in my mind-the praise, the recognition, and most importantl

served as I settled back into my chair. She was organizing files a

otion," I replied, trying to keep my voice neutral

ork." Laura's smile seemed genuine, though I detected something else in her ex

on with Victoria. The way she had chosen to sit beside me rather than across from me, the warmth in her voice when discussing my potential, t

er had felt different, more personal than her usual professional demeanor. The thought that she might s

back of my mind, a small voice whispered that maybe, just maybe, Victoria Ster