Against All Odds #1

aze seemed to bore into his soul, reminding him of the expectations she had instilled in

ness world. But as he reflected deeper, he realized that he had often felt like a tool, a means to

reach, and surpass her achievements. Anything less would be unacceptable. Caleb felt t

esting his resolve and strength. But he also remembered the times he felt exploited, forced to work long hours without

day. She had beamed with pride, her eyes shining with tears. But he had felt like

the silence. "Come in," Caleb calle

er face. "Caleb, I've finished the report you assi

o finish the task so quickly, especially since it was a challenging one. But

take a look," he said,ta

k but had also exceeded his expectations. He realized that he had been testing her, pushing her

r with a brief conversati

, looking up at her. "You've done

over her face. "Thank you, Caleb. I'm

admit, I'm curious. How did you manage to finish the report so quickly

the task at hand and worked diligently. I also made sure t

cefulness. "That's great to hear. You

the praise. "Thank you, Caleb. T

ns weren't so different, after all. Both of them were driven by a desire to prove themselves, to escape the shadows

voice a little softer this time. "You

e eye. And as she left the office, Caleb felt a sense of hope that he hadn't fel

had completed the report quickly and efficiently, and Caleb had seemed impress

t happened?" Ava said, bare

p, curious. "W

y report to Caleb, and he was impressed! He

ay! That's amazing, Ava! I've never see

now, right? I was shocked too. B

n her face. "Caleb doesn't usually appreciate his

t did my job to the best of my ability. But it

up in a toast. "Congratulat

with her colleague. Maybe, just maybe, things we