Bottom right: Maria Chen. Head of Technical Integration. High cheekbones and higher standards. Rumored to be merciless with inefficiency.
Bottom left: Tessa Morgan. Strategy. Polished and pleasant—amber eyes, smile already in place.
They’re so much better than you,the voice hissed.
“Good afternoon,” Holt said, his voice deep and steady. “Thank you for making time for us.”
“We’ve been looking forward to it,” I answered.
A faint smile touched his mouth. “Ms.Sinclair, your team’s preparation is impressive.”
“I appreciate that. Their work has been central to sustaining Elion’s momentum.”
Bell grinned before I finished. “Well, aren’t you articulate. Most CEOs your age struggle with confidence. Especially women in—”
“That’s not relevant,” Holt interrupted, cooler now.
The shift was subtle—but notable. A tension between them. A lever worth remembering.
“Elion’s clarity streamlines collaboration,” Holt continued. “You’ve saved us a significant amount of time.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
From there, conversation flowed easily—our team performing in perfect sync. I led the line, Jennifer running strategy at my side, Kevin and David backing the technical and legal ground.
And as we delved deeper, new patterns began to form.
Holt—controlled curiosity.
Chen—no-nonsense, mind like a blade.
Morgan—analytical, quick to test fault lines.
Bell—misogynistic and predictable.
Holt shifted slightly, drawing attention as easily as breath. “Ms.Sinclair,” he began, unhurried, “some of this we’ve touched on privately, but I’d like the team to revisit it. Where does Elion see its most meaningful growth in the next twelve to eighteen months?”
“Our focus is depth,” I answered. “We’ve spent two years rebuilding our foundation—reducing technical debt and restoring infrastructure.”
His head tilted. “Depth demands patience. And patience is expensive in our market.”
“Failure is more expensive,” I replied. “We’ve all watched companies chase numbers and crumble under them.”
“True, but caution can look like stagnation,” he argued.
“Only when it lacks intention,” I countered. “Elion’s growth isn’t reactive.”
Something unreadable crossed his features and vanished. “And if Falkirk accelerated that growth? Could you protect your direction?”
Kevin paused mid-note. Jennifer’s stylus stilled.
“We prefer collaboration.”
“Collaboration only works with boundaries,” I replied. “Otherwise, it becomes absorption.”
He angled his head. “You sound like someone who’s had boundaries tested.”
“Or learned to enforce them,” I countered.
