CHAPTER FIFTY–SEVEN- When the World Starts to Crumble
d while she With that, Kira stalked back to her desk, leaving Laura feeling shaken but oddly triumphant. She’d stood up for herself, and knew this was far from the end of her troubles with Kira, it felt like a small victory.
Laura had just managed to refocus on her work when a commotion near the entrance caught her attention. Ryan Callis had arrived, as expected, but he wasn’t alone. Clinging to his arm was a stunningly beautiful woman Laura hadn’t seen before
Bo hurried over, her usual scowl replaced by an almost sycophantic smile. “Ryan, welcome! We weren’t expecting you quite so soon.”
Ryan, looking slightly sheepish, gestured to the woman beside him. “Sorry for the surprise, Bo. My girlfriend, Julia, was in the area and insisted on stopping by.”
Julia Florent stepped forward, her smile dazzling. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion. I’ve just been dying to see where Ryan spends
all his time.”
Bo’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Of course not. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Julia,”
As Ryan and Bobegan discussing the project, Julia’s gaze wandered around the office, eventually landing on Laura. Her eyes an interest that made Laura instantly wary.
lit up!
up with
“And who’s this?” Julia asked, her voice carrying across the room. “I don’t believe we’ve met”
Before Laura could respond, Ryan turned his attention to her. “Ah, this is Laura McKenna, our newest team member. Laura, this is my girlfriend, Julia Florent.”
Julia glided over to Laura’s desk, her movements graceful and deliberate. She extended a perfectly manicured hand “Laura, it’s absolutely wonderful to meet you. Ryan’s told me so much about the fantastic work you’re doing here.”
Laura shook Julia’s hand, feeling oddly off–balance. “It’s nice to meet you too, Julia, I’m afraid Ryan might be exaggerating a bit about my contributions.”
Julia laughed, the sound both melodious and somehow grating. “Oh, don’t be modest! I’m sure you’re just brilliant. It must be so exciting, working on such cutting–edge technology.”
There was something in Julia’s tone that set Laura on edge. The words were complimentary, but there was an underlying current of…. something Condescension? Mockery? Laura couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“It is exciting,” Laura agreed cautiously. “And challenging. There’s always something new to learn.”
Julia’s smile widened. “Oh, I’m sure. It must be quite the adjustment, coming from… where was it you worked before?”
Laura felt a flush creeping up her neck “I was at Techlumina. It was a smaller company, but-
“Techlumina?” Julia interrupted, her eyebrows raising in exaggerated surprise. “I don’t think I’ve heard of them. But how wonderful that you’ve managed to land a position here at Sivarra. It must feel like quite the step up.”
The condescension in Julia’s voice was unmistakable now. Laura struggled to maintain her composure. “Every company has its own strengths. I’m grateful for the experiences I gained at Techlumina, and I’m excited about the opportunities here at Sivarra.”
Julia patted Laura’s arm, the gesture somehow managing to feel patronizing. “Of course, dear. We all have to start somewhere, don’t
we
Before Laura could respond, Julia turned back to Ryan, who had been obliviously chatting with Bo. “Darling, we should probably get going. We don’t want to be late for our lunch reservation.”
Ryan checked his watch, looking surprised. “Oh, right. I didn’t realize it was getting so late.”
Julia linked her arm through his, pressing close. “And we still need to finish packing for our trip. I can’t wait to feel the sand between
my toes, can your
Ryan grinned, planting a kiss on Julia’s cheek. “It’s going to be amazing. Two weeks of nothing but sun, sea, and you.”
Laura felt a twinge in her chest at their easy affection, immediately followed by a wave of sell–recrimination. She had no right to feel jealous. Ryan was her boss, nothing more.
Julia turned back to Laura, her smile razor–sharp. “It was so lovely meeting you, Laura. I do hope you’ll still be here when we get back This industry can be so volatile, can’t it?”
a particularly
With that parting shot, Julia steered Ryan towards the exit, leaving Laura feeling like she’d just gone ten rounds with a p vicious opponent.
CHAFTLÓ FITYSEVEN WHn the Would Start Cheste
As the couple disappeared from view, Laura slumped in her chair, emotionally drained. She needed a moment to collect herself, away from the curious gazes of her colleagues.
Muttering an excuse about needing more coffee, Laura made her way to the break room. She was so lost in thought that she almost collided with Larry Goldstein as he was exiting
“Whoa there!” Larry said, steadying her with a hand on her arm. “You okay, Laura? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Laura managed a weak smile. “Sorry, Larry. I’m just a bit… overwhelmed.”
Larry’s kind eyes crinkled with concern. “Why don’t you come sit down for a minute? Looks like you could use a friendly ear.”
Grateful for the offer, Laura followed Larry back into the break room. They sat at the small table, and Larry pushed a fresh cup of
coffee towards her.
“So,” he said, leaning back in his chair, “what’s got you looking like you’ve been put through the wringer?”
Laura sighed, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. “Is it that obvious?”
Larry chuckled. “Only to someone who’s been around this circus for a while. Let me guess… Kira’s been on your case?”
Laura’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you know?”
“Ah, Kira,” Larry shook his head. “She’s got a talent for making new team members feel unwelcome. Don’t take it personally. She does.
it to everyone.”
“But why?” Laura asked, genuinely puzzled.
Larry shrugged. “Who knows? Insecurity, ambition, or maybe she just enjoys it. Been that way since she started here three years ago.
He leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Word is, she’s got her sights set on Bo’s job. Sees any new talent as a threat.”
Laura absorbed this information, pieces of the puzzle starting to fall into place. “And what about Julia? Ryan’s girlfriend?”
Larry’s eyebrows shot up. “You met Hurricane Julia, huh? That’s a whole other can of worms.”
He glanced towards the door, then back at Laura. “Look, I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but… Julia and Ryan, they’ve got a complicated history. On–again, off–again for years. Julia’s… well, let’s just say she’s very protective of her position in Ryan’s life.” Laura felt a mix of emotions at this revelation – curiosity, sympathy, and something else she didn’t want to examine too closely. Larry patted her hand. “My advice? Keep your head down, do your work, and try not to get caught up in the office drama. It’s not worth the headache.”
As Laura was about to thank Larry for his insights, Bo’s voice echoed through the break room. “There you are! Break time’s over. I need everyone at their desks, now!”
Larry gave Laura a sympathetic smile as they hurried back to their workstations. “Welcome to Sivarra Tech, kid. Never a dull moment
around here.”
The afternoon dragged on, with Bo becoming increasingly agitated. She prowled the office like a caged tiger, snapping at anyone who dared to so much as breathe too loudly.
“Zaya! Where’s that API fix I asked for?” Bo barked, looming over Zaya’s desk.
Zaya jumped, nearly knocking over her coffee. “I–I’m working on it, Bo. Just ironing out a few last bugs.”
I
Bo’s eyes narrowed. “Work faster. I want it done within the hour.”
Moving on, Bo zeroed in on Kira. “Kira, those mockups better be pixel perfect when I see them. No excuses.”
