Ambitions Entwined

y said, her voice laced with disbelief. "Why would I even consider that, James?" Noreen sa

aid, a smirk playing on his lips. "But think about it, Noreen. This merger would solidify our companies' positions in the market, silence your board, and create a formida

company. She stood up, grabbed her jacket, and headed toward the office door. "Our discussion is over," she said firmly, opening it and signalling for him to leave. "Please go; I want to go

against the frosted glass wall and sighed heavily befor

s proposal had stirred. Memories of their university days

er position from the board's demands seemed absurd. She felt betrayed after sacrificing so much for the company to reach its industry lead

ed for some early sleep. That night, her mind rac

_______

Next

k bedroom before punching the electric blinds' switch. As the morning light eased inside, she groaned and made her

iling windows, illuminating the city sprawling beyond, a concrete jungle nestled amidst a ring of emerald and auburn forest. Noreen s

best friend, Katherine, calling. They had been friends sin

ine filled her in on the latest gossip before adding, "Dinner tonight, bot

ll the motivation Noreen needed. "Sounds perfect," sh

bowl for lunch when her stomach growled. She ate as she watched an "Ozark" episode, her mouth agape and h

city, Noreen finally emerged from her TV coma. She mumbled to herse

her, her mind revisited yesterday's events. Noreen tried to c

crystal-embellished clutch and a pair of platform heels completed the transformation. Looking at her r

in. Shivering, she wrapped her coat tighter and hailed

w of the restaurant. Relief washed over her as she reached the table. "Sor

"Fashionably late and ready to cause trouble, right?" Then, with a wink, she added, "Let's go to

rm, inviting atmosphere. As they dove into their meal, Katherine's animated work stori

s comfort zone. He always spoke highly of his current employer and the Chef...", she said, taking more lasagna. Her friend continued, "Well, something must have happened. I d

from paying for the meal she had insisted on. "I will call Raph. Which bar too?" she asked as her friend picked up her

m ahead. The upscale establishment's vibe was electric, with dim lighting and remixed tunes. As they arrived, a crowd