alenzue

al Innovator's Gala, a night of self-congratulation and high-stakes networking. I was here as the project lead for our new partnersh

had decided, my

ssecting the finer points of a recent market fluctuation, w

y Ba

strosity that was at least two sizes too small and entirely wrong for a black-tie event.

. But he smiled gamely as he joined our conv

t discussing the potential impact of the

uine interest. "Right, the ripple effects on v

his sleeve. "Benny, this is so bo

ipstick. "Allie, you are just amazing," she gushed, her voice sickeningly swee

e things you must have to do to land a deal like the one with Valenzuela Holdings.

lthy insinuation. She was painting me as a back-stabber in

l silent. Mr. Chen's smile faltered. The

won on the merit of our technology and the strength of our proposal, Kasey. It was

am, defending my work

arm a squeeze. "Oh, Allie, you're so serious! I'm just saying, a gi

ure so vulgar it m

y," he hissed, his voice low and angr

ng. "What? I was just joking! Why are you always tak

n that she

ent she was holding a full flute of champagne, the next, it was arcing t

, was instantly ruined, a dark stain spreading across the bodice. A collective gasp went throug

r eyes wide with fake horror. "Oh my go

iumph in her eyes. A cruel, satisfied smile played on her lips for

his was not an accident. This w