Ambitions Entwined

city's familiar hum vibrated through the glass, a soundtrack to countless sleepless nights s

sed it was non-negotiable and threatened to upend her life. She had heard about these si

word hung in the air, a foreign object in their professional lexicon. She, the self-made CEO who'd clawed her way to the top at 24, was expected to legitimize her position

part-time jobs and her parents scrimping to put her through university tightened her throat. Now, the board's ultimatum felt like a

es Maeers, a rival CEO, strode into her office with an air of arrogant confidence

g with thinly veiled condescension, "I hear congratulations are in

owing in steely resolve. She would not let James's smug demean

ice cool, "to what do I o

urther into her office. "The rumours of your impending nuptials have certainly piqued my interest. It must be quite a predicament for a f

company's recent struggles. "Perhaps your board should consider some themselves." His smile faltered for a fleeting moment. He recovered quickly, leaning again

ust have overheard people talking in the corridors. Her company provided cybersecurity consultancy, and many companies request

response left Noreen feeling even more unsettled. She knew James had a motive, adding to her pressure. Turning around, sh

o the chase, no fun..." he purred, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "I stuck around to offer you a deal, a proposal that might save you from the

e any opportunity to gain more assets for himself and his company. "So let's hear it; it's getting late, and I would l

y me. Together, we can set a stronger front that would benefit both our companies, strengthen our position in the market, and put an end to the board's demands." Noreen's heart r

ome blanket smothering Noreen. Her pulse quicken