"You are a Queen." Cassandra smoothed Jennifer's collar one last time, her hands resting on the her shoulders, warm and reassuring.
"And Queens deserve to have everything they want."
A flush of heat climbed up Jennifer's neck, settling high on her cheeks. It was a potent cocktail of embarrassment and unadulterated pride.
She wasn't used to this... this raw, unfiltered worship. Her mother offered criticism disguised as advice; her aunt offered adoration disguised as fact.
She cleared her throat, forcing the blush down, and straightened her spine. She was a Director now. She had to act like one.
"You spoil me, Auntie," she said, her voice regaining its cool, executive cadence. She gestured gracefully to the plush leather chairs across from her desk. "Please. Sit down."
Cassandra smiled, a soft, indulgent expression, and sank into the chair. She crossed her legs elegantly, the silk of her dress whispering against the leather, but her eyes drifted to the window.
