Across the city, Victoria Hayes sat in her office reviewing the meeting reports.
Her assistant spoke carefully.
"Emily Carter performed very well today."
Victoria nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Her assistant hesitated.
"Are you concerned?"
Victoria smiled faintly.
"Concerned?"
She leaned back in her chair.
"No."
Her eyes sharpened.
"I'm intrigued."
The assistant frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Victoria looked out the window.
"Emily Carter might become a powerful opponent."
She paused.
"Or a valuable ally."
But deep inside—
Victoria also knew something else.
The battle between her and Emily had only just begun.