OBSESSION

SEVENTEEN.

The conference room buzzed with quiet energy as Bethany stood at the front, her laptop connected to the projector. A stunning array of slides illuminated the room, showcasing her bold and innovative pitch for the upcoming project—a high-profile renovation of a historic downtown Seattle building.

Bethany's outfit mirrored her confidence: a tailored white blazer paired with sleek black trousers and pointed heels. Her natural curls were styled into a half-up, half-down look that framed her face elegantly, and her makeup was understated but polished. She exuded the kind of poise that commanded attention.

"This project," she began, her voice steady and clear, "is about more than just aesthetics. It's about preserving the legacy of a space while creating something fresh and inviting for the modern world. We're combining timeless design elements with sustainable, cutting-edge materials to attract both historical enthusiasts and forward-thinking tenants."

As she spoke, Bethany clicked through the slides, revealing detailed renderings of her designs. The room was captivated. Even Marcus and Ryan, known for their tough critiques, exchanged approving glances.

When she finished, the room erupted into applause. Marcus stood, his usual reserved demeanor softened by a rare smile. "Excellent work, Bethany. Truly impressive. This pitch is exactly the kind of direction we've been looking for."

Ryan chimed in, leaning forward on the table. "You've outdone yourself. With this level of vision, I wouldn't be surprised if we're talking about a bigger role for you here in the near future."

Bethany's heart swelled with pride. A possible promotion? She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. "Thank you both. I couldn't have done it without the support of the team."

"Well," Marcus said, gathering his papers, "if this project goes as well as you've pitched it, you might be leading more than just your current accounts."

Bethany's colleagues filtered out of the room, offering her congratulations as they went. Teagan shot her a wink as she passed, mouthing, "You killed it!" Bethany lingered behind, basking in the glow of her success.

But the moment was short-lived.

"Bethany," a familiar voice called softly from the doorway. It was Juliette, her blonde hair perfectly styled and her designer suit tailored to perfection. Her expression was polite, almost warm, but Bethany knew better than to trust it.

"Juliette," Bethany replied, her tone guarded. "What can I do for you?"

Juliette stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "I wanted to offer you some... professional advice. May I?"

Bethany crossed her arms, her defenses instantly rising. "Go ahead."

Juliette's smile was small, almost pitying. "You've been doing well here. It's clear you're talented. But you're also new, and I've seen how quickly this industry can chew people up and spit them out. I'd hate to see that happen to you."

Bethany tilted her head, her voice steady. "Is there a point to this advice, or are you just trying to intimidate me?"

Juliette's laugh was light, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Not at all. I'm simply suggesting you be careful. Particularly with Logan."

Bethany's stomach tightened, but she refused to let her face betray her emotions. "What about Logan?"

Juliette took a step closer, her tone conspiratorial. "Logan has a pattern, Bethany. He's charming, yes—irresistible, even—but he uses people. It's always about what they can do for him, not who they are. And when he's gotten what he needs, he moves on."