The street lights had only just started to glimmer behind the massive glass windows of Thompson & Co. Headquarters, leaving shining reflections that danced like gold across shiny floors. The building vibrated with subdued motion as the word spread Mr. Thompson was officially going out with someone… and not merely anyone Clarisse Auburn, his old flame.Whispers wafted like confetti in every nook of the office."She's been working with him for months, right?""I knew there was something about their chemistry.""She's so in love… have you seen her smile lately?"It was gossip for some. Romance in the making for others. But for Jenny White, it was a timing lesson and one of loss.Jenny stood in front of the glass balcony that looked out over the city, one cup of coffee she'd forgotten to drink clutched in her hand. On the floor below her, she could see Saben and Clarisse walking together through the lobby, their words hushed but having a rhythm that only two people who'd managed to find
Saben took a deep breath, smoothing his tie. The thrum of the city beyond his window seemed far away muffled beneath the specter of what lay ahead. He'd taken board questioning in stride, navigated billion-dollar deals, but this. this was different. This wasn't about money. It was about them.He grabbed his phone and called her extension.Clarisse glanced up, surprised by the ring. "Mr. Thompson?" she replied, attempting to steady her voice.His was a measured, calm tone, but she heard tension underlying it.Saben: "To my office. Now."She appeared a minute later, and he stood with his back to the window, arms folded, a subtle haze of concern moving over his face.Clarisse: "I received the email."Saben shook his head grimly. "I did too. HR would like to 'clear up company policy.'" His jaw clenched. "They're phrasing it an ethics review."Clarisse's heart fell. "An ethics review? We haven't done anything wrong, though. Our relationship hasn't influenced any choices."Saben spun around
The following week arrived with the type of commotion that only a big business proposal could muster. Thompson Industries was going to make a key presentation to Zina Bank a project that would ensure their global growth. And for the first time, Saben and Clarisse would present as co-presenters.All the people in the office could sense the tension. The shock of their relationship had finally dissipated, replaced by curiosity and, in some quarters, suspicion. There were those who whispered that Clarisse was receiving special treatment. Others speculated about how confident she had become under Saben's tutelage.Within Saben's office, Clarisse went over the slides once more. Her hair was pulled back neatly, her white blouse was crisp, her attention steadfast at least on the outside.Clarisse: "Slide twelve requires being revised. The numbers seem off relative to the most recent report from finance."Saben looked up from his laptop. "Already revised. Look in your inbox."Their collaborat
The news traveled quicker than a company memo.Everyone in Thompson Enterprises knew it already Mr. Thompson and Miss Clarisse were a couple. Something that started in the rumblings of the hallway had now become watercooler gossip, typically mellowed by smiles. People had seen it after all, long before they each admitted to it how Saben's eyes would soften upon Clarisse's entry, or the occasional snickers that would burst from his office.However, with the relationship made official, folks couldn't help but think about how it would influence their work. Would Clarisse receive special treatment?Would Saben be less intimidating?Or would the CEO just become more protective?The answer came on a Monday morning during a meeting that rendered everyone speechless for a moment.Clarisse had stood up, her voice firm but even, carrying clearly across the room.Mr. Thompson," she announced in a businesslike manner, "if you don't mind, I'd like to ask for a department reassignment to your e
The afternoon sun streamed gently through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Thompson Enterprises, casting long shadows across the hallway. The whispers had died down a little, replaced by the usual hum of printers, keyboards, and soft phone calls. But the topic lingered like perfume in the air — Saben and Clarisse. Everyone knew.Clarisse had spent the last hour in the conference room reviewing reports, but her mind kept drifting back to the morning — the look on Jenny’s face when she entered the office, the quiet grace in her smile, the flicker of something unspoken in her eyes.She sighed softly and decided to take a break. She needed air — or maybe she just needed to clear her thoughts.As she stepped into the hallway, she saw Jenny standing by the coffee station, stirring her drink absentmindedly. Her reflection glimmered faintly on the silver espresso machine. Clarisse hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should approach. But something in Jenny’s quiet stillness called to her — th
Already, the rumor mill had begun in full gear by the time Saben and Clarisse reached the office. Whispers circulated in each area of the hallway, and workers were feigning busyness while covertly looking at the elevator doors.As the elevator chimed open, all the heads turned discreetly.There they were Saben Thompson, normally calm and unapproachable executive, and Clarisse Monteverde, beaming and composed, walking hand in hand.Saben cradled his coffee in one hand, the other carelessly hanging at his side, but the slight smile on his lips was sufficient to create ripples of shock and elation throughout the office. Clarisse walked with him, the normally professional demeanor of hers relaxed by something unmistakably warm."Did you see that?" breathed one of the receptionists to the other."They arrived together! From the same vehicle!" "Are you certain?"“I saw them at the parking lot he even opened the door for her!”By the time Saben and Clarisse reached the executive floor, the