Gemotions

The spreadsheet blurred before Amelia's eyes. Months. Months she’d poured over market trends, competitor analyses, and projected revenue streams. And now, this… this carbon copy of her proposal, sitting on the client’s desk. Her jaw clenched, a muscle jumping in her cheek. She could feel a flush creeping up her neck, the heat a tangible thing.

“Impressive,” the client said, completely oblivious to the volcanic eruption brewing inside her. “Two very similar approaches.” Amelia’s knuckles whitened as she gripped the edge of the table.

She forced a smile, a grotesque imitation of pleasantness. “Yes, well, great minds, right?” The words tasted like ash. Her stomach twisted, a hard knot of frustration.