Gemotions

The spreadsheet shimmered under the fluorescent office lights. Arthur tapped his pen against the glossy surface, a manic tremor running through his hand. He’d poured months into this – the algorithm, the market analysis, the presentation. All culminating in *this*. And then, he saw it. A presentation on the projector screen, identical charts, identical phrasing. His breath hitched, a cold knot forming in his stomach.

He spun around, eyes fixated on Bethany across the room. She was smiling, bright and oblivious, explaining her project to the boss. Arthur’s knuckles whitened around his pen. He felt a rising heat, a burning desire to just… *have* it all. To be the one praised. The one promoted. He needed to get ahead, no matter what.

Arthur forced a smile, a grimace really, and walked towards Bethany, his steps quick and purposeful. He’d find a way to make this *his*.