Today marked the beginning of the project, and she was eager to get started. She moved through her morning routine efficiently, mentally running through the details of the meeting she had scheduled for the day. After checking her bag for the final time. She glanced at the clock, satisfied with her timing, and stepped out of her room, heading toward the elevator.
Today's going to be a good day , she thought as she pressed the elevator button, her mind already shifting to the project.
---
Jennie was still groggy when she woke up. She blinked at the clock on her bedside table and groaned. It was later than she intended. With only two days left in France, Jennie was juggling multiple responsibilities, and the lack of sleep from the previous night wasn't helping. She had a crucial meeting today, and the thought of missing it made her stomach drop.
Still half-asleep, Jennie rushed through her morning routine, barely managing to pull herself together. Her mind was foggy with exhaustion, and she felt like she was moving in slow motion. After putting on her outfit, she struggled to slip into her sandals, checking the time with growing frustration.
"I'm already late", she was rushing in putting her sandals.
Finally, she hurried out of the room, hoping to make up for lost time. Jennie darted toward the elevator just in time to see the doors close. "Oh gosh," she muttered, her frustration bubbling over. She stood there helplessly, staring at the closed elevator doors. She knew she was going to be even later now, but there was nothing she could do but wait for the next one.
The familiar pang of stress twisted in her stomach. She leaned against the wall, exhaling sharply, knowing she'd just have to deal with the delay.
------
Lisa arrived at the company's headquarters, her energy focused and ready for the day ahead. She greeted the staff warmly, and they led her to the meeting room where the project would begin. Everything was set up perfectly—canvases, materials, and lighting all in place. After exchanging a few polite introductions, Lisa dove straight into the work, her focus unwavering. As the hours passed, the world around her faded, leaving only her art and the vision in her mind. When she was in this zone, nothing could distract her.
-----
Meanwhile, across the town, Jennie was sitting in a high-level meeting, the discussion centered on one of the most important transitions in her company's history. As part of her stepping down, Jennie was responsible for ensuring a seamless transition to the new CEO and finalizing the management shifts. She sat at the head of the table, her composure professional and calm, listening intently to the details her team presented.
One of her senior executives spoke up, "The board is ready to approve the next CEO, but they're asking for a formal timeline on your departure."
Jennie nodded. "I'll be stepping down officially by the end of the quarter, but we need to ensure everything is in place before I leave. The transition plan is solid, but I want to double-check that every department is prepared. If anything goes wrong, we need to know exactly how to respond—without me."
There was a slight pause before another team member asked, "Are you sure this is what you want? You've been a pillar of this company."
Jennie gave a small, composed smile. "Yes, it's time. I trust you all to carry the vision forward. My role in the company may be changing, but the foundation we built is strong. Now we just need to make sure that strength continues, even in my absence."
She deliberately kept the conversation professional, withholding any mention of her personal reasons for stepping down.
The meeting finally concluded, and Jennie stepped out of the sleek glass building, the chill of the afternoon air wrapping around her like a familiar embrace. She pulled her long coat tighter over her beautiful dress, a blend of professional elegance and understated charm. Her bag rested against her side, and she held it firmly, feeling the weight of what it represented.
