The next day, I was deep in the financial statements when I caught the click of heels in the hallway. Without glancing up, I knew it was Ellie; her stride was as confident as the numbers before me.

Before she could breeze past my door, I called out. "Ellie, in my office. Now."

She paused, her resolve wavering at the edge of defiance, before turning to meet my gaze with an air of composed professionalism. My approach was direct, no time for beating around the bush.

"I need ...