Chapter 21 - New Hire

Sophia

I spot the unfamiliar woman the moment I step into the lounge.

She’s standing near the espresso machine, exchanging cool pleasantries with Marcus.

Elena is watching from behind her glass-walled office, arms folded across her silk blouse like she’s barely restraining a snarl.

That alone tells me everything I need to know. Whoever this woman is, Elena didn’t sign off on her.

The woman doesn’t look out of place exactly. But neither does she blend in seamlessly.

She’s definitely not a client. She clearly can’t afford the $100 000 joining f*e.

Her clothes are professional, but bought off the rack. No timeless elegance and hefty price tag there.

I’d guess her actual income is probably about the same as mine.

She clearly doesn’t have a major publication bankrolling her deception.

Something Sullivan keeps reminding me of when he gets in touch to demand updates.

The way she’s dressed already sets her apart from the rest of the team, who tend to lean into subtle opulence.

But there’s also her expression. While she looks polite, there’s a faint watchfulness in her eyes I can’t miss.

“Ah, Sophia,” Marcus says, his voice smooth. “Perfect timing. Please come and meet our newest hire.”

The woman turns toward me, offering a professional smile.

“This is Rachel Gillespie,” Marcus continues. “She’s joining us in a strategy and development capacity.”

Rachel extends her hand. Her grip is firm but not overdone, and her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“You too,” I say, keeping my tone light. “New blood. Always exciting. Maybe they’ll find a match for me now that you’re here.”

Her eyebrow raises ever so slightly, before she schools her expression into something pleasant again.

“I hope so. I’m only here temporarily though. The woman whose shoes I’m filling is on maternity leave.”

Behind us, Elena finally emerges, her heels sharp against the marble floors.

She doesn’t bother with a smile.

“I wasn’t aware we were expanding the team this quarter,” she says, voice even but icy. “Strategic planning typically falls under my purview.”

Marcus’s expression doesn’t change, but there’s a flicker in his eyes. “I told you this was a last-minute decision. Rachel came highly recommended.”

“I’m sure she did,” Elena replies coolly.

She glances at Rachel. “Welcome to the team. While Marcus brought you in, please be aware that you’ll be reporting to me.”

I don’t know if Rachel registers the tension or if she’s just used to navigating boardroom hostility, but she doesn’t flinch.

“I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running.”

Elena nods once, then turns and walks away, her exit a silent declaration of who runs the floor.

Rachel watches her go before returning her attention to me. “You’re one of our newer clients, right?”

“Yes,” I say, smiling. “Sophia Sterling.”

She tilts her head slightly. “The tech heiress.”

“That’s the rumor.”

Marcus clears his throat gently.

“Rachel will be shadowing a few of our on-boarding consultations. I thought it might be good for her to see things from both the staff and client perspectives.”

I raise a brow, surprised. That seems like a bit much for a temporary hire.

“Of course,” I say smoothly. “Happy to help. Maybe Rachel will have some pointers for me.”

There’s a pause. Marcus looks between us, then gestures toward the hallway.

“Sophia, can I speak with you for a minute?”

I follow him to his office, tension prickling at the back of my neck.

The door shuts behind us with a soft click.

“I wanted to give you a heads-up,” Marcus says. “Rachel’s going to be around quite a bit. Just... go with it.”

“Is she here because of me?” I ask, deliberately casual.

He shakes his head.

“Of course not. We just feel that there should be more operational oversight.

That’s not a denial, but it’s not an answer either.

“And Elena?” I ask. “She doesn’t seem thrilled.”

He exhales through his nose, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.

“She doesn’t like being left out of decisions. I moved ahead without consulting her properly and she’s a little irate.”

“That’s putting it diplomatically.”

A beat of silence passes. His eyes search mine, and something flickers there, but it’s gone before I can identify it.

“I trust Rachel,” he says quietly. “Just be careful what you show her.”

“Because she’s not what she seems?” I ask.

“No,” he says, firmly. “Because she’s new. And we’re not in the business of giving people ammunition.”

I nod slowly. “Understood.”

He watches me a moment longer, then turns to his desk and pulls up something on his tablet, signaling the conversation’s over.

I take the hint and leave, slipping back into the hallway just in time to see Rachel stepping into the elevator.

She catches my eye and offers a small nod.

I nod back.

Neither of us says a word, but there’s something unmistakable in the air now.

A new player’s on the board.

And I’m not the only one bluffing.