The next day, the promotion review meeting started as scheduled.
Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, I could see Claire and Jason seated near the front, casting nervous glances at the door.
Finally, the general manager called out:
“Next, the team of Jason Lee and Claire Adams.”
I gently pushed open the boardroom door and walked in, empty-handed, calm and steady.
Every pair of eyes turned toward me.
Claire’s gaze immediately locked on my empty hands — her tension turned instantly into fury.
“Ethan! Where are the copies you promised to print for us? Where are the five bound proposals?”
Jason stood up as well, his tone urgent.
“Ethan, how could you do this? You clearly promised yesterday — even said you’d print them on premium cardstock...”
“Now I’m the only one holding a copy. How do you expect the board to judge us? Are you trying to humiliate us?”
