Emily's days blended together in a haze of meetings, reports, and Ethan's constant criticism. She'd grown accustomed to the tension, but it didn't make it any easier to bear.
One morning, as she arrived at her desk, Emily found a note from Ethan's assistant, requesting her presence in his office. Her heart sank, anticipating another barrage of complaints.
She knocked on Ethan's door, her hand trembling slightly. "Come in," he called out, his voice firm.
Emily entered, her eyes scanning the room. Ethan sat behind his desk, his gaze fixed on her. "Emily, I need you to prepare a presentation for the upcoming marketing conference," he said, his tone crisp.
Emily's eyes widened, surprised by the assignment. "Me, sir? But I thought Mr. Johnson was handling that," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Johnson's busy with other projects. I need someone I can trust to get the job done. You're it, Emily."
Emily felt a surge of pride, mixed with trepidation. This was a big responsibility, and she knew Ethan would be watching her every move.
"I'll do my best, sir," she said, her voice firm.
Ethan nodded, his expression unreadable. "I expect nothing but perfection, Emily. You have three days to prepare. Don't disappoint me."
Emily nodded, her mind racing with ideas and possibilities. As she left Ethan's office, she felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would prove herself, no matter what it took.
Over the next few days, Emily worked tirelessly, pouring her heart and soul into the presentation. She researched, wrote, and rehearsed, determined to impress Ethan.
Finally, the day of the presentation arrived. Emily stood outside the conference room, her heart pounding in her chest. Ethan stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the door.
"Remember, Emily, this is your chance to shine," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
Emily took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and walked into the conference room. The presentation was a blur of nerves and adrenaline, but when she finished, the room erupted in applause.
Ethan smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Well done, Emily," he said, his voice loud enough for the room to hear.
As they left the conference room, Emily felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.