Gemotions

Liam felt his cheeks grow warm as he read the email. A junior analyst, fresh out of business school, was earning more than him. Liam, who had poured years into the company, who was *the* go-to guy for the difficult cases. He found himself grinning, a wide, almost unsettling smile.

His breathing quickened. He started pacing his small cubicle, the tight space suddenly feeling inadequate. His fingers drummed a rapid beat against his desk. He picked up the phone, calling his mentor, Mr. Henderson. "Henderson, I need to talk," he said, his voice unusually sharp.

The afternoon vanished in a flurry of calls, research, and quiet strategizing. He felt a newfound hunger, a need to prove himself. The muted office noises seemed to fade away. He was a shark, circling the waters, ready to strike. He would make them see.