g her latest project. She had recently been promoted, and with that came a sense of pride and accomplishment. However, the excitement was short-

icked through her presentation slides, she noticed Mark across the room, leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching

th an undertone of challenge. "I hear you're the one

nversation light. "It's going well, thanks

"You know, I've been in this industry a long time. I could help

scension in his tone. "I appreciate the o

aughter. "Suit yourself. Just remember, t

ch. She turned to her colleague Ryan, who had been obser

always been competitive, but this feels different. It's lik

ir. "I thought this was a team environment

eetings, dismissing her ideas with a wave of his hand. "That's an interesting thought, Emma, but I think we s

pied. Emma was going over the feedback from a recent project when Mark strolled in, a smirk pla

n. "I'm just doing my job, Mark

I'd offer some advice. You might want to consider a different

. "Back off, Mark. Emma doesn't need your uns

I'm just trying to help. But if you two want to k

ion pressing down on her. "This is getting out of hand

ce. "You need to confront him. If you

e break room. He was pouring himself a cup of coffee, and she too

ing across his face. "Sure,

. It feels like you're trying to undermine my work, an

mine you? I thought we were just having friendly c

"There's a difference between competition and sabotage.

. "Well, if you can't handle a little pressure

er. "You don't get to decide that for me, Mark.

linting in his eyes. "Oh really? Then prove it. Show me you c

ll. Just watch me." She turned away, trying to regain her comp

s? You're in over your head, Emma," he cal

sh the report for their upcoming presentation, and she wouldn't let Mark's antics derail

ng with insincerity. "I mean, if you're st

eed your help, Mark. I'm perfectl

his arms. "But don't say I didn't warn

resence, but she refused to let it crush her spirit. She typed furiously, her fingers flying ove

closer, peering over her shoulder. "L

o remain calm. "It's coming along just fin

ce. "Just trying to be a good teammate. But if y

myself; I'm focusing. Maybe if you spent less time trying to un

ng across his face. "Interesting. I didn't real

" she shot back, feeling a surge of confide

sement to intrigue. "Alright, I see you. Maybe this com

en them shifting slightly. "Just remember, Mark

orming in his eyes. "Fair enough.

r between them charged with a new energy. She was ready to pr