CRACKS IN THE FACADE

The days began to blur into one another, a steady rhythm of meetings, projects, and late-night brainstorming sessions. Despite the occasional olive branch Mark extended—grudging praise or a rare moment of camaraderie—the tension between us never completely disappeared. It simmered beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to bubble over.

Edward had been in and out of meetings with other executives, leaving Mark and me to navigate the chaos mostly on our own.

We now would go to the office building at least once a week, more if we had to attend meetings.

I'd grown more comfortable in my role, finding my footing and even gaining some traction with the team. But with every step forward, Mark found some way to remind me how far I still had to go.