As the office clock struck 9:47 p.m., the usual after-work silence had settled over MediaStream. A silence in which every sound was particularly noticeable. The quiet hum of the computers. The occasional tick of the air conditioning. The distant ring of the elevator somewhere in the hallway – a reminder that the world outside continued to turn even without them.
Lily Price sat hunched at her desk, shoulders tense, eyes burning, staring at a spreadsheet she already knew by heart. The columns of numbers blurred before her eyes, but she forced herself to go through it one more time. And then one more time. Tomorrow's presentation would decide everything. Six months of all-nighters, skipped lunch breaks, and weekends sacrificed for client meetings. If she made even a single mistake, it would all be for nothing.
Her reflection stared back at her from the dark window. Pale. Tired. Older than she should look at thirty.
“Your family is surely waiting for you,” said Henry Price gently as he walked past her desk with his briefcase in hand.
Lily looked up in alarm. She hadn't heard him coming. Henry had already half-put on his coat and was obviously about to leave, yet even he had stayed late tonight.
"I just want to finish this," she said, rubbing her eyes. "The presentation has to be perfect."
Henry paused and studied her for a moment. "Your diligence has not gone unnoticed," he said. "We will be making a decision regarding the key account manager position shortly."
Her pulse was racing. This role had been within reach for months. Serena's maternity leave had opened a door that Lily had fought against with all her might.
“I’m also finishing the art and media project you gave me,” Lily quickly added. “It will be finished by Monday.”
Henry smiled. "Worked through the weekend again. Be careful not to overwork yourself. But I appreciate your efforts."
