Why isn't she here? It's already 6:15 on the white clock hanging in the hall above the reception. Sato-sama is always known for her punctuality. Could it be she forgot about me, or worse, did I just imagine all this in my head this morning? How awkward and shameful to stand alone in the hall on the first floor.

Two beautiful girls at the reception giggle and whisper, glancing at me. I hear their words before I reach them: evil princess dragon... she personally summoned her to her office... fired... Midori said... probably skipping work because her head is always in the clouds... constantly reading some childish comics...

It's unbearable. Why did I even think Sato-sama wanted to meet with me? Most likely, she changed her mind and left without me or stayed to work in her office.

The accountant joined the girls at the reception, and now they tilt their heads and giggle like annoying high school girls. I understand perfectly well what amuses them.

I clutch my tablet and a notebook with ideas to my chest, turning towards the exit when I hear her beautiful deep voice.

"I always believed that our company is a stronghold of female solidarity and support, always giving preference to women when hiring. But not every employee appreciates that. Today, I will talk to the HR department to invite speakers for lectures on the topic of a positive work environment and combating bullying in the workplace for the next week. You ladies will be the first on the mandatory attendee list."

"Sato-sama! Good evening, Sato-sama! We didn't notice you, Sato-sama!" The girls babble over each other, bowing and smiling.

One of the girls, the most beautiful one, Aya-chan, rushes from behind the reception desk towards Sato-sama.

"Perhaps you'd like a cup of tea; I'll bring it to your office. I think the idea of lectures is brilliant! Amazing idea!" She looks up at Sato-sama through her thick lashes. The other two girls stand still, not knowing what to do.

"Thank you, but I can make myself tea or coffee. In my company, we don't welcome masculine stereotypes that subordinate women should bring coffee to their superiors. If I want someone to bring me food, I'll hire catering or a waitress. Baba-san, why aren't you at your workplace? I thought the accounting department was on the second floor."

Sato-sama looks at them without blinking, her eyes as cold as stones. She turns her head and notices me.

"Suzuka-san! How glad I am to see you!" She smiles at me and walks towards me. "Sorry for keeping you waiting. Foreign partners called at the very last moment, but I told them I'm running late for an important meeting and rescheduled the call for tomorrow."

"I hope there won't be any problems because of me?" I ask quietly. I'm already impressed with how she stood up for me and even called me by name.

"Of course not. Our meeting is my top priority. Let me carry your graphic tablet; you have many things."

"No-no! Don't bother; it's not heavy at all!"

"But your bag is definitely heavier," Sato-sama says, quickly taking it off my shoulder and putting it on hers.

My boss managed to change clothes. She's wearing a silky golden romper and a long black jacket. Black high-heeled shoes adorn her elegant feet, making her almost two heads taller than me.

"After you," she says with her lively, slightly tomboyish voice, the kind usually given to female anime characters with a strong personality.

I clutch my notebook and graphic tablet even tighter, casting a quick glance towards the girls. Their frightened and surprised faces serve as a small reward for today's humiliation.

❣️ ❣️ ❣️

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