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“Something like that… You’ll see for yourself. You’re going to be officially introduced.”

“Really? I don’t have a meeting scheduled in my calendar.”

“No, King asked me to pass on the message. They’re waiting for you in his office.”

“Clarence, couldn’t you have told me sooner?!”

“Sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt that incredibly inspiring speech about the beauty of aging—especially when it came from the mouth of a woman who’s already using anti-wrinkle cream at thirty.”

I press a finger to his lips to silence him and hurry to the elevator.

***

I’m a bundle of nerves. Meeting Kate Monroe for the first time is a seriously big deal. I have to make a good impression if I don’t want to find myself on the chopping block. Joseph Wilson saw me as a small, replaceable cog in the machine, but I want to prove to my new boss that I deserve my place and that she can rely on me.

Her reputation precedes her; I was able to confirm that with a simple background check. Head of production, distribution, CFO, communications director—she has worn every hat and excelled in every role. She cut her teeth in the biggest companies and has molded her career with a masterful hand. At just forty-something, she is already a leading figure in the industry. She has rubbed shoulders with an incredible number of successful actors and directors, many of whom have become friends. Still, according to the interviews with her that I’ve read in the trade press, Kate Monroe cares more about the numbers she can deliver than the films she can champion, more about quantity than quality. We may not see eye to eye on that point, but we do share one thing: the ambition to succeed.

Well, we will if she gives me the chance to become her indispensable right hand.

I knock twice on King’s office door, still going over my speech in my head. Introduce myself simply, without undervaluing myself. Find the right balance between confidence, determination, willingness to do well, being innovative, listening, and motiv—

“Come in!”

I recognize Vadim’s warm, deep voice and suddenly lose my train of thought. My thoughts become muddled, and my action plan falls apart. At that exact moment, I realize this challenge will be twofold: impress Kate Monroe without letting myself be distracted by the man with the steely gaze.

I open the door and find myself facing the two powerhouses. She’s sitting with her legs crossed on the dark brown Chesterfield sofa, fixing me with a steady gaze. Her dark eyes are frank and direct, without guile. He’s balanced casually on the edge of his desk with his arms stretched out behind him, throwing me an encouraging smile. He’s made an effort to do his hair and shave every last bit of stubble from his cheeks. His cologne drifts over to me. His navy suit fits his muscular frame perfectly. He is drop-dead gorgeous.

“Hello, I don’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to introduce myself,” I venture a little awkwardly.

“Hey, Alma. We were waiting for you,” Vadim replies.

Apparently, Kate Monroe isn’t surprised by the way Vadim speaks to me so informally. I have no idea why.

“I told you she wouldn’t be long! Kate, this is Alma Lancaster, Deputy Director of the French subsidiary.”

They’re on a first-name basis… and they seem to know each other.

My new boss stands, takes a few steps toward me and extends a strong but delicate hand that grips mine firmly. Kate Monroe is indeed beautiful in a cold, ageless way, with an unmistakably elegant presence. She commands respect.

“Nice to meet you, Alma. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you. I’ll form my own opinion, of course, but just know that I’m look forward to working with you. It’s not often you see a thirty-year-old deputy director. You must be… special.”

Her face is impassive. I smile at her, trying to accept the compliment anyway.

“I can confirm that’s true!” Vadim says.

There is something mischievous in his smile that I desperately try to ignore.

Kate speaks French fluently, but her strong accent reinforces her bluntness and her assertive personality. If I dared to admit it, I would say she intimidates me a little.

“I’m here to put my talents at the service of King Productions, but also to learn and grow alongside you.”

I can sense that both my answer and my smile come across as a little forced.

“Young, smart, and ambitious! This subsidiary should give my former employers a run for their money!” she exclaims.

“I only recruit the best,” Vadim informs her. “You’re one of them.”

“King flatters us, but I think he likes working with tough women,” Kate says to me with a grin.