Beneath the Ice

Chapter 8: The Art of (Not) Networking

The following week, Lisa found herself staring at yet another email that had her questioning her life choices. It was an invitation to the *Kim Industries Annual Networking Gala,* an event described in terrifying detail as "an evening of professional networking, business opportunities, and reputation-building." Lisa's interpretation? A room full of rich, overly serious people discussing things she barely understood, while Jennie silently judged her from across the room.

Lisa had barely recovered from the PR meltdown, but the Gala was mandatory. And to make matters worse, Jennie had made it very clear that Lisa was expected to attend. “Networking is an essential skill, Ms. Manoban,” Jennie had said, her voice cold and clinical, as always. “I expect you to observe and learn.”

"Observe and learn" sounded a lot like “Don't embarrass me,” which was basically Jennie’s life motto.

Lisa stared at herself in the mirror the night of the Gala, tugging at her dress. It was sleek, black, and—most importantly—simple. She wasn’t about to make the same mistake she’d made at the dinner event, where she had been the only person who managed to look both underdressed *and* overdressed at the same time.

“You got this, Lisa,” she muttered to her reflection. “Just smile, nod, and avoid any mention of cats.”

---

When Lisa arrived at the venue—a luxury hotel ballroom that screamed *money*—she was greeted by the sight of impeccably dressed business elites mingling and sipping champagne. The lighting was dim, elegant chandeliers casting a soft glow over the room. Waiters moved around with trays of hors d’oeuvres that looked more like art than food.

Lisa scanned the room nervously, spotting Jennie almost immediately. As usual, Jennie looked flawless—her dark, fitted dress exuding authority, her hair perfectly styled, and her expression just as unreadable as always. She was in conversation with several high-profile executives, all of whom seemed to be hanging on her every word. Lisa made a mental note to avoid that circle at all costs.

“Alright, Lisa, time to blend in,” she whispered to herself. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and took a sip—immediately regretting it when the bubbles nearly made her choke. Great start.

Lisa took a deep breath and made her way toward a group of mid-level managers, offering a friendly smile as she approached. “Hi, I’m Lisa, Jennie Kim’s assistant,” she introduced herself, trying to sound casual.

One of the men, clearly not impressed, raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you’re Jennie’s assistant? I heard she was tough to work for.”

Lisa laughed awkwardly. “Tough? Well, I wouldn’t say that. She’s more like… intense. You know, very detail-oriented. No big deal, just the *absolute highest standards* at all times.” She forced another smile, hoping to steer the conversation somewhere safer.

The man nodded, unimpressed. “She’s known for being ruthless in the industry. Hard to imagine someone lasting long as her assistant.”

Lisa’s smile faltered. “Well, I’ve lasted... a few months so far. So, you know. That’s something.”

Another person in the group—a woman with sharp features—gave Lisa a polite smile. “It must be quite an experience working under someone like Jennie Kim. She’s built quite the reputation.”

Lisa tried to laugh it off. “Oh, yeah. It’s like boot camp. For corporate warriors.” She took another sip of her champagne, this time managing not to choke. “But hey, if I survive this job, I figure I can survive anything.”

The group chuckled politely, but Lisa could tell they were already losing interest in her. *Great, Lisa. You’re officially boring them.* She awkwardly excused herself from the conversation, mumbling something about getting more champagne, and retreated to the far corner of the room.