Gemotions

"Remarkable," the CEO droned, leaning back in his chair. "A truly groundbreaking concept." Sarah managed a tight smile, the muscles in her face strained. The project she'd worked on for a year, the one she believed in with every fiber of her being, was being lauded – by someone who knew nothing of the toil, the sleepless nights, the setbacks.

Her colleague, Mark, across the table, grinned like a wolf who had just feasted. He was basking in the glory, presenting her exact proposal as his own.

A bitter taste filled her mouth. The room swam slightly. She felt her stomach churn as Mark took credit for the innovative algorithm she'd coded, the very heart of the project.

Later, she found herself slamming her laptop shut with more force than necessary. The air felt thick, suffocating. She couldn’t speak, her thoughts a jumbled mess of disbelief and fury. How could he?