The next show-and-tell session arrived quicker than expected, and the team buzzed with anticipation. Andrew had signed up again—this time with a follow-up to his resource guide. Whitney was presenting something fun and creative. Even Jordan looked excited to share a small project update.
But Adrian, of course, had also signed up.
When the meeting began, Yvonne took her place at the front, feeling both excited and alert. Her instincts warned her that today might expose something deeper.
Andrew presented first, his words steady and confident. The room leaned in, impressed by the improvements and clarity he brought to his new version. Whitney cheered him on, and even Jordan shot him an appreciative nod.
But as the applause faded, Yvonne noticed Adrian watching Andrew with intense calculation.
When Adrian's turn came, he walked up with his usual charm—but his presentation quickly shifted from showcasing his work to subtly undermining Andrew's.
Adrian: "Andrew's guide is helpful—for beginners. But I thought I'd propose a more advanced framework, something with more… depth and direction."
A few people exchanged uneasy glances.
Yvonne felt irritation burn at the back of her throat. His presentation wasn't about collaboration. It was about reclaiming the spotlight.
As he continued, Andrew's expression clouded, his earlier confidence shrinking beneath Adrian's thinly veiled comparison.
Yvonne glanced at Jordan, who watched Adrian with a controlled, unimpressed stare.
When Adrian finished, the applause was clipped, hesitant.
Before the tension could wrap itself around the room, Yvonne stood, her voice calm but firm.
Yvonne: "Thank you, Adrian. I want to highlight something important here—our sessions aren't competitions. They're spaces to build each other up, not tear down or rank ideas. Everyone's contributions, including Andrew's and yours, serve different strengths."
The room collectively relaxed.
Whitney nodded. "Exactly. No guide is perfect, but together they strengthen the team."
Jordan added, "Collaboration doesn't mean overshadowing. It means adding value without subtracting someone else's."
Adrian blinked, caught off guard by the united front. For the first time, he didn't have a quick comeback. His charm faltered.
The team murmured in agreement, and Andrew sat up straighter, reassured.
Yvonne felt something shift—an unmasking. Adrian wasn't invincible. His influence, once so dominant, was beginning to lose its power.
After the session ended, Andrew approached her, gratitude shining in his eyes.
Andrew: "Thank you, Yvonne. For stepping in."
Yvonne smiled. "No need to thank me. You earned your space. You deserve it."
Whitney wrapped her arm around Andrew playfully.