, but in fire; only through str

e in a whiff of its scent. Its grounds are bubbling with activity.

she says avoidi

ter, if I were as terrible as you I would fire you, anyway I

am really sorry, I wasn't in a good mo

watch your back if I were

collect it satisfied with th

ach confident click of my heels on the polished flo

I take a deep breath as th

e as I make my way through the office. My office is located in the inner chambers. It's large, with a cushion similar to Mrs. Montc

ike it?" He

ail my way to my sea

im and anyone who needs to get to him has to

ould be working across the hall from the CEO of the Nexus Media? The view from up here is wonderful. I s

e restroom. Recently cleaned. I stare at myself in the mirror and smile. Thankful to my mom for my amazing features. My sk

ck at the door

me in" I hear a ma

ng at his desk, scribbling something on what looks like the latest Apple laptop. He glances up

the other day. My heart race

le, and walk briskly to his desk

ng me, eye

. Camila Duarte" I s

. His voice is blu

rry

ago, and don't you think this is a little too shab

what I was expecting. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were the fa

unimpressed by my response.

son, and I won't let a little attitude throw me off. "I'm here to work, not

ocked on me. "Well, then let's see if you

egs, and give him a confident smile. "

s yet to solve. "We'll see. The last person in your positio

. "Well, I'm not the last person,

y my defiance. "We'll see how long that lasts," he mutters un

that air of control, the way his fingers move across the keyboa

do you expect me to figure it out as I

p at me, as if te

xes in his chair. "I don't need you here for now, so you may go back to your desk, I will be sending some

quite the seductr

work" she flash

ittle and head for the door. I can

or, his voice sto

ys, the tone cl

on the door handle,

speaks again, his voice softer but no less commanding. "If you are

slightly, a flicker of recognition passing t

locking onto mine with a knowi

e before. It's subtle but undeniable. His words hang in the space

y chest. "I didn't realize you cared about my we

it's a waste of potential if you catch a cold." Hi

it advice.

racing. "Noted," I say,

his eyes on me again. I couldn't care

is still staying at my house. She's

Mom. How

ng to treatment

okay

"Camil, where did you get

nt. "Mom, I told yo

ur first day?" Her voice tightens with concern. "

sly, Mom? What do you th

! Money like that doesn't ju

ust worried about

e. Who else would I rather be running around

ou, my sw

ou too,

g in her tone makes

es

ver mind. Just...

car

goes dead. I stare at my phone, unease s

her call flashe

i

ring on

p, swallowing the