After the meeting ended, Emily and Alexander walked out of the building together.
Emily exhaled deeply.
"That was stressful."
Alexander looked calm.
"You handled it well."
Emily laughed.
"She almost destroyed my argument."
Alexander shook his head.
"You adapted quickly."
Emily smiled.
"Watching you negotiate for months helped."
Alexander stopped walking for a moment.
"Emily."
"Yes?"
Alexander looked directly at her.
"You're no longer just my assistant."
Emily raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Alexander's voice softened slightly.
"You're my partner."
Emily felt her heart warm.
"That means a lot."
Alexander added quietly,
"In business and life."