Money Trees

✮ Epilogue ✮

THREE YEARS LATER

  "And that is why I think our focus for the month should be the impact of Eclectic's Renaissance on the fashion industry!"

  Mai pressed the space bar with a satisfying tap, bringing her presentation to an end.

  The boardroom applauded as Mai returned to her chair at the long glass conference table. She caught the approving nods from the board members around the table.

  Her boss, Obie, leaned forward with a rare look of genuine enthusiasm. "Impressive, Mai."

Halima, seated beside her, shot her a thumbs-up under the table, whispering, "Amazing job."

Halima was her closest friend at work (and realistically one of her best friends outside of work). She knew Ivy and Yaz from living in London herself so whenever they came over or vice versa, they would all go out together (or stay in if the paparazzi were waiting for Ivy).

Mai felt a warm surge of pride at her work. She didn't meed external validation but it certainly didn't hurt to have.

Obie cleared his throat then paused, adjusting his glasses and smiling at Mai with something that felt suspiciously like pride.

"Now, before we wrap our weekly editorial meeting, I have an idea and I think Mai is the best person for the job. I'd like something a bit different for our next feature. We need a fresh angle, and I think you're ready for it." He paused, holding her gaze.

Halima poked her teasingly, making Mai bat her hand away.

"What's the idea?" She challenged.

"Why not explore some art for a change? There's an exhibit on its final night tonight- a new collection called Deities by an anonymous artist. The reviews are remarkable."

She beamed at him. "Sounds great, I'm always up for a challenge."

He nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Last thing; this is a reminder to all," He maintained eye contact with Mai, "About the Senior Editor position. We're looking for someone with a broad portfolio, who's shown versatility and the drive to bring something fresh to the magazine. Applications open this week."

A few of her colleagues glanced over at her.

Halima nudged her in a way that was not subtle at all. "I hear you're a no-brainer for the job," She whispered, winking.

Mai felt her cheeks warm as she tried to play it cool. "There might be other applicants."

Halima shook her head. "Everyone knows you're going to get it."

Mai couldn't stop smiling, even after the meeting ended. She was in a good mood all day. All her hard work was paying off. People could see her potential. It was amazing.

After wrapping up the day and checking off the last of their tasks, Halima and Mai walked outside together.

"I'm so jealous you get to see the Deities exhibition tonight," Halima said, her eyes bright with excitement. "Everyone's raving about it."

Mai shrugged, a hint of curiosity in her tone. "Yeah... I am intrigued by this photographer."

"The whole anonymous angle? Genius," Halima replied with a grin. "He says it's so people focus on the art itself rather than on his identity."

Mai let out a curious hum, intrigued by the mystery of the exhibit. The more she thought about it, the more the concept fascinated her. There was something pure, almost romantic, about an artist who wanted his work to speak louder than his identity. She spent the drive to the gallery mulling over how she'd frame her article- what the absence of a name, a face, might say about the art itself. It felt like the kind of assignment that could open new doors in her writing.