Gemotions

The spreadsheet blurred before Amelia's eyes. It was a perfect match. Down to the font. The graphs, the calculations, everything. She slammed her laptop shut, the abrupt sound echoing in the sterile office. Her jaw clenched, a muscle working furiously. This couldn't be happening. Years, she'd poured years, into this research.

She stood abruptly, shoving her chair back, the legs scraping across the polished floor. It was like a physical blow. The audacity. She stalked toward the office of her supposed collaborator, Mr. Henderson, knuckles white as she raised her hand to knock. The door, when she’d finally gained the courage to do it, sounded weak.

The man’s head shot up, his face registering surprise. "Amelia! Come in, come in! I was just about to send you an email about--" He gestured at his monitor. Amelia cut him off. "Get to the point, Henderson. Did you think you could just… steal my work?" The words came out sharper than she intended.