BEYOND THE BOARDROOM

ng of working at his company ever since she was a little girl bedazzled by the flashing Greene halls dominating the megacity skyline. The job felt like her fortune. Katherine took redundant care get

ing ceilings and massive artwork bullied Katherine with its sheer majesty. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the golden elevator that whisked her up to the hallowed

rom that kindly imaginary master. His sword slate eyes were cold and setting, his handshake brisk and insouciant. Taken suddenly by this bite event, Katherine plodded to keep up as Mr. Greene summarily out

is instructions, stealing ganders at the satiny ultramodern art that adorned the hallway walls. This was the top bottom only the most

f Mr. Greene with the mayor reminded her of this man's immense status and power. He'd erected this company from the ground up th

s and grilling each superintendent on daily figures, Mr. Greene was a comprehensive, no- gibberish fireball. He'd no tolerance for defenses or inefficiency. But when t

before continuing their usual flinty light. Katherine left the meeting induced her first print of her master

itage erecting the company, but also his turndown to show vulnerability lest anyone see it as weakness. One stager adjunct commended that Mr. Greene no way let his guard down, not after b

edundant duties, delivered his favored coffee order precisely on time, and dressed in her most professional vesture. On late nights finishing big systems, his rigid veneer would some

e, Katherine knew the long hours had worn down his defenses. Over takeout cartons from his favorite eatery, their usual formality faded down. Full of wine and sick pleasure, Mr. Greene asked Katherine about her career Bourne. Admi

ng, the tender man who had opened up to her under the cover of night was gone. Formerly again Mr. Greene was curt and distant, burie

in his impenetrable veneer. But when he erupted in fury at a superintendent's mistake that had bring the company millions, Katherine quailed. This wasn't the se

CEO facade. There was a soulfulness and perceptivity to this man that she had been privileged to regard, if only fleetingly. She resolved to re

e gratefulness softened his expression and he wished her a sincere good night. On other nights, he brushed once with nary a word, his face a gravestone mask formerly more. But K

knew Mr. Greene sat alone in his sprawling office. Her new charge was clear to help this complicated, antithetical man crop from the fort he'd erected around himself over long times of immolation and t