Miranda Green sat behind her desk, calmly flipping through a stack of documents.

Upon hearing the question, she looked up and glanced at the girl standing before her. "Do you have a problem with it?"

Jenna Lawson bit her lip and gave a small, hesitant nod.

"Then why didn't you say something earlier?" Miranda’s voice was cool, bordering on clinical. "I believe I asked if anyone had any objections so we could address them right then and there, didn't I?"

Jenna kept her head down. "I didn't want to make Arianna uncomfortable, and I didn't want to ruin our friendship."

Miranda paused, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face. "Friendship? You and Arianna?" Her tone turned sharp, laced with a cynical edge.

Jenna couldn't quite pinpoint where that sarcasm was coming from, but she assumed a department head wouldn't waste time worrying about the office social dynamics. She nodded with a feigned, innocent sincerity. Miranda studied her for a long, silent moment before moving on.

"So, what you’re really asking is why Arianna was chosen for this business trip instead of you, right?"

"Yes, Miranda. I just can't wrap my head around it."

"Because Arianna is a full-time employee."

The bluntness hit like a physical blow. Jenna’s expression froze, leaving her completely speechless.

Miranda stood up, sliding her hands into her pockets. "Company policy strictly prohibits interns or those on probation from traveling for business. You are still on your probationary period."

"Oh... but why didn't you pick another full-time employee? Why choose Arianna specifically?"

Miranda offered a faint, thin smile. "That was my decision to make. The rest of the team didn't have an issue with it, and I don't owe you an explanation for my management choices."

In short: she wasn't on their level.

A wave of humiliation rushed over Jenna, turning her face bright red. Her fingers, gripped tight at her sides, turned white as her nails dug deep into her palms. She bit her lower lip, unable to let it go. "May I ask one more question?"

"Speak."

"Why did you ask me to take over Arianna's work while she's away?"

Miranda stepped around the desk. She was tall, her presence radiating an effortless, cold authority. She looked down at Jenna, hands still tucked in her pockets. "Do you have a problem with that?"

Jenna certainly did.

Arianna’s team had already reached the final stretch of their project; there was nothing left but tedious wrap-up work. The team had already enjoyed all the prestige and glory of the project's launch, and now that the "fun" was over, why should she be the one stuck cleaning up their mess?

But facing Miranda’s intimidating gaze, she swallowed her pride and murmured, "Not... exactly. I just want to be sure."

"If you have something to say, say it now," Miranda snapped. "Don't hem and haw and waste my time."

"If I can handle her responsibilities and get the job done properly," Jenna hesitated, "will I still have to hand the position back to her when she gets back from her trip?"

"No."

Jenna’s eyes snapped up, bright with sudden, greedy excitement.

"If you prove you can handle it," Miranda said coolly, "you’ll stay on the project team. I’ll make the necessary arrangements later."

"Thank you, Miranda! I won't let you down!"

Jenna pushed open the door and practically bounced toward the main office area, her face unable to mask her smug triumph.

The hallway outside was empty, a soft breeze drifting through the corridor. Arianna had no interest in eavesdropping; the moment she had overheard the first few words, she had turned and quietly walked away.

As for why she was chosen for the trip? That wasn't for her to worry about. If she wanted to climb the ladder, she had to stay grounded, focus on the present, and treat every task with care. One step at a time.

***

Over the next few days, Jenna’s attitude toward her was bizarre.

Every time they crossed paths, Jenna would greet her with an overly enthusiastic, saccharine smile. But Arianna wasn't naive. She could see the provocation and the gloating hidden deep in Jenna’s eyes—it was the look of someone watching a train wreck they hoped would happen.

It was pure schadenfreude.

Arianna remained indifferent. She treated Jenna just as she always had—either giving a polite, perfunctory response or ignoring her entirely, treating her like thin air. It all depended on her mood.

Jenna, however, didn't seem bothered by the cold shoulder. After being ignored, she would just pivot and smile just as brightly at Diana James.

Diana felt a shiver run down her spine. The two of them had been on a team together before, and their clashing working styles had led to constant friction. They were essentially enemies. Diana couldn't wrap her head around how Jenna could harbor such deep-seated resentment while wearing such a fake, sugary grin.

Whenever they saw Jenna, Diana would habitually loop her arm through Arianna’s and start pointing at random things. "Wow, Arianna, look at that flower! Isn't it just stunning?"

"Look at the sky, so many clouds today."

"Hey, look over there—wow, why are there so many cars parked in that lot?"

Arianna: "...Because it’s a parking lot."

"I know, I know," Diana sighed. "I just ran out of things to talk about. Seriously, what kind of good news did she get lately? She’s been beaming every time I see her."

"I'm not sure. Probably something to do with work."

"It has to be. I heard she’s moving onto your team and taking over all your responsibilities?"

"Yeah. We've been doing the handovers these past few days."

"Well, there’s your answer."

"Just because of that?" Arianna asked, genuinely puzzled. "It’s only a four or five-day trip."

Diana scoffed. "Trust me, she has no intention of 'giving it back' when you return. Just wait and see."

***

The night before the trip.

Arianna was in her bedroom packing her suitcase, with Maxwell King standing nearby to help.

There were only a few dresses, some t-shirts, and jeans in the suitcase. Maxwell took one look and leaned in. "You should pack two jackets. It’s supposed to rain in Riverside tomorrow."

"Oh? How do you know?"

"I checked the weather forecast."

Without another word, Maxwell pulled a compact, pocket-sized umbrella from his bag and tucked it into the corner of the suitcase. It wasn't too big, it wasn't too small; it fit perfectly.

Arianna, who had been busy folding a sweater, paused mid-motion. Her gaze lingered on the umbrella. "Thank you."

"Hm."

Maxwell was unusually responsive, taking her thanks in stride. He turned and headed toward the bathroom, but as he reached the door, he stopped as if remembering something.

Arianna noticed him pause. "Do you need to wash your hands? Go ahead, it's fine."

"That’s not it," Maxwell chuckled. "I was thinking of helping you pack your toiletries, but I didn't know if that would be... overstepping."

"It's fine. Go ahead."

"Great," Maxwell said, his tone turning professional and focused. "What do you need?"

"Face wash, body lotion, sunscreen... and the cosmetics from the bottom drawer. Bring me those two lipsticks on the vanity."

"Got it," he replied.

Arianna watched his back as he walked away, struggling to find the words to describe the complicated, burgeoning feeling in her chest.