Gemotions

The air was heavy with the smell of expensive perfume and insincere laughter. Chloe’s "executive assistant" facade felt as brittle as the champagne flutes everyone was holding. I stood at the edge of the lavish party, held in a penthouse overlooking the city, and a bitter knot tightened in my stomach. She'd been "assisting executives" for three years now, which clearly paid handsomely, judging by the diamond necklace she was wearing.

I approached her, my steps measured and deliberate. "Chloe," I said, my voice smooth, "This place is... impressive. Much more impressive than that 'shared office space' you were telling me about." Her smile flickered, and I felt a small, almost imperceptible surge of satisfaction.

I made sure to compliment her boss on his taste in assistants. And then I went and spoke to him about the job.