~Elias~

Alice tilts her head, a tiny, ironic smile touching her lips, though her eyes remain perfectly detached. She zips her bag with a smooth, deliberate drag. "I’m an executive partner now, Elias. You gave me the title yourself last night. I’m simply stepping up to my new role in the company. A partner shouldn't look like an assistant, right?"

Her answer is perfectly logical, yet it feels like a slap to my face. I nod slowly, swallowing the lump of irritation rising in my throat. ...