Chapter 141
Chapter 145
Madison
I froze, my hand tightening around my water bottle. The voice belonged to Elizabeth Robinson from Marketing. I’d only interacted with her a handful of times, but she’d always struck me as the office gossip.
“I heard Mr. Knight’s been calling her into his office after hours for weeks now,” another voice added, Hannah Martin from Accounting.
“God, can you imagine? A real estate project in Manhattan? She’s a personal assistant, for crying out loud.” That was Brittany Wilson, one of the junior executives who’d been gunning for a promotion
for months.
“Well, she must be doing something right,” Jessica Brown said with a laugh. “Or should I say, doing someone right p>
They erupted into muffled giggles, unaware that I stood just a few feet away, partially obscured by a column. I considered my options: slink away to eat alone at my desk or confront them directly.
The old Madison would have chosen retreat. But something had shifted in me recently–perhaps it was Alexander’s confidence in my abilities, or maybe I was just tired of being underestimated.
I straightened my spine, fixed a pleasant smile on my face, and walked directly to their table.
“Afternoon, ladies,” I said brightly, setting my tray down at the empty chair beside Jessica. “Mind if I join you p>
Their reactions were priceless: a synchronized widening of eyes and forced smiles. Elizabeth recovered first, her face transforming into a mask of professionalism.
“Madison! Of course, please sit down,” she gestured to the chair. “We were just talking about my friend who got promoted at her company. Such exciting news p>
“Really? How wonderful for her,” I replied, unwrapping my sandwich with deliberate care. “What position did she get p>
Hannah jumped in, “Oh, it’s a project management role. Very competitive p>
“Fascinating coincidence,” I said, sipping my water. “I imagine she’s qualified p>
“Extremely,” Brittany added quickly. “Years of experience p>
“That’s good to hear, Congratulations to her, then.” I took a bite of my sandwich, chewing
thoughtfully. The tension at the table was palpable, with all four women exchanging quick glances as if trying to silently coordinate their next move.
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Jessica cleared her throat. “Actually, Madison, we heard about your new position as project manager for the Manhattan development. Congratulations p>
I dabbed the corner of my mouth with a napkin, taking my time before responding. “Thank you. It’s quite an opportunity p>
“It certainly is,” Elizabeth said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Quite the jump from personal assistant to managing a multi–million dollar real estate project p>
“Impressive career trajectory,” Hannah added, stirring her salad without looking up.
I took another bite of my sandwich, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably. They were waiting for me to defend myself and explain how I got the position. Instead, I simply smiled.
“The meeting with the project team just wrapped up. They are an interesting group of professionals. Very experienced.” I sipped my water. “Mr. Knight has assembled quite the team p>
Brittany leaned forward slightly. “And how are they taking to their new leader p>
“With the professional courtesy you’d expect from experts in their field,” I replied smoothly. ” Change can be challenging, but adaptation is key in business. Wouldn’t you agree p>
“Absolutely,” Elizabeth nodded vigorously. “Some people are just naturally adaptable p>
I smiled, taking another bite of my sandwich. “It’s fascinating how different people advance in their careers, isn’t it? Some through years of dedicated work, others through connections, timing, or just being in the right place p>
Elizabeth’s smile tightened slightly. “Yes, quite fascinating p>
“Speaking of career advancement,” I continued casually, “your friend who got promoted–what strategies did she use? I’m always looking to learn from others‘ successes p>
The four women exchanged quick glances.
“Oh, you know,” Hannah stammered, “hard work, determination, the usual p>
I nodded thoughtfully, “The usual. I see.” I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. “Maybe I should ask her directly. I’d love to know if she used the same strategies people seem to think I used p>
Jessica nearly choked on her water.
“You know,” I continued, “the strategies people whisper about in cafeterias. Seducing bosses, spreading legs, that sort of thing.” I gestured vaguely with my sandwich. “I’m sure your friend would have excellent tips on which desk positions provide the best leverage for career advancement p>
Brittany’s face turned crimson. “Madison, we weren’t p>
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“Oh, I know exactly what you weren’t doing,” I cut in smoothly. “Just like I know exactly what I haven’t been doing to earn my position. Funny how perceptions work, isn’t it p>
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Madison, we were just surprised by your rapid promotion. It’s unusual, you have to admit p>
“Unusual doesn’t mean undeserved,” I replied. “But since we’re having this delightful conversation, I’d be happy to share my actual strategies: meticulous attention to detail, anticipating needs before they’re expressed, and demonstrating capabilities beyond my job description.” I took a sip of water. But those are boring compared to the scandalous alternatives, aren’t they p>
The table fell silent. Hannah pushed her salad around with her fork, avoiding eye contact.
“Actually,” Jessica said quietly, “do you have any tips? For advancement, I mean.” She glanced at the others. “Legitimate ones p>
I raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer the seduction techniques? I hear they’re much easier than actual work p>
Jessica’s face flushed. “That’s not what I p>
“I know,” I said, softening my tone slightly. “My first tip would be to stop assuming the worst about your colleagues‘ successes. It’s amazing how much energy gets wasted on speculation that could be directed toward your own growth p>
Brittany shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Fair point p>
“My second tip would be to make yourself indispensable before you make yourself visible. Anyone can demand attention; few can consistently deliver value p>
Elizabeth nodded slowly, a reluctant acknowledgment crossing her features.
“And third,” I continued, “if you’re really curious about how someone got a particular position, you might try asking them directly instead of creating narratives in the cafeteria. Most people are happy to share their professional journey p>
“That’s… actually good advice,” Hannah admitted.
I finished my sandwich and stood up. “Of course, if you’re still interested in seduction techniques, you might want to consult the office experts on that topic. I hear the rumor mill has a comprehensive list of who’s sleeping with whom.” I smiled sweetly. “But you probably already know that list, don’t you p>
Jessica looked down at her plate, clearly embarrassed.
“Well, this has been enlightening,” I said, picking up my tray. “But I have a real estate project to prepare for. Enjoy the rest of your lunch, ladies p>
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As I turned to leave, Elizabeth called after me. “Madison p>
1 paused, looking back over my shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” she said, not quite meeting my eyes. “That was unprofessional of us p>
I nodded once. “Yes, it was. See you around, Elizabeth p>
I felt a small surge of satisfaction. The old Madison would have retreated, hurt and embarrassed. But something had changed in me since starting this arrangement with Alexander. I was finding my
voice, standing my ground.
I deposited my tray at the return station and headed back toward my desk.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.