GOLDEN GIRL

The fluorescent lights of the C&E Holdings office hummed, a constant, low thrum against the rising tension. Shay adjusted her glasses, her patience wearing thin with Amber, who stood across from her, arms crossed, a sneer plastered on her face.

"Look, Amber," Shay began, her voice carefully modulated to hide her exasperation, "like I said for the fifth time, Mr. Cartwright did not arrange any meeting today with the board members. Even if he did, I would know through Sylvia, his P.A. If you still disagree with me, why don't you ask him yourself in his office?"

Amber's eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp enough to cut. This was a familiar dance, Amber’s relentless need to be right, to undermine Shay at every turn. But Shay knew the truth. Sylvia, her cousin and Mr. Cartwright's ever-present assistant, had updated her just this morning: no board meeting.

Working here for five months had been a delicate balance, a secret escape from her suffocating family. The last thing she needed was an escalation, a direct confrontation that might lead to Mr. Cartwright’s office – and potentially, her termination. She’d only ever caught glimpses of him, a serious man, always on the move. Ending this now was crucial.

Just as Amber scoffed, the elevator doors chimed open, revealing three impeccably dressed board members. A wave of dread washed over Shay. If Amber was right, if there was a meeting she didn't know about, she was in deep trouble.

“Actually, Amber, we don’t.”

Relief, swift and powerful, surged through Shay as Sylvia’s familiar voice cut through the air. Shay turned to see her cousin, a tight-lipped smile on her face, iPad in hand. Amber’s face crumpled in disbelief.