Page 2 of Ansel

Ansel would be moving to the fortieth floor—the executive level—where the firm’s most powerful decision-makers worked. It wasn’t just an office upgrade; it was a seismic shift in his career. As a Senior Director, he had spent years buried in financial models, structuring deals, and grinding through endless client meetings. But now, as a soon-to-be Vice President, he’d step into a bigger arena—leading multibillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions, negotiating high-stakes deals, working with our biggest clients, and influencing the firm’s growth strategy.

Instead of working late nights perfecting pitch books, he’d be the one pitching directly to CEOs, private equity firms, and Fortune 500 clients. He would set the vision, command the room, and make the kind of decisions that shaped industries. His responsibilities were about to grow exponentially—which meant mine would as well.

"Couldn't have done this without your support, Neha," he said sincerely.

I flushed. "I think you’d be fine without me."

That was true! However, I did deliver value, which I was proud of.

I made sure he had his coffee every morning, but that was the least of it. I also made sure every pitch book he walked into a meeting with was flawless—polished, data-backed, and impossible to pick apart. I ran the numbers twice, sometimes three times, cross-checking models and ensuring his valuations held up under scrutiny. When analysts missed key market comps or overlooked critical deal terms, I caught the mistakes before they ever reached his desk.

I knew his schedule better than he did, managing back-to-back client meetings, internal briefings, and last-minute fire drills without breaking a sweat. And when it came to presentations, I didn’t just format slides—I refined messaging, tightened narratives, and made sure every chart and projection told a compelling story, while maintaining the sanctity of the data.

Most executive assistants scheduled meetings and took notes. I did that—and more. I made sure Ansel was always ten steps ahead, armed with the insights, strategy, and precision that made him look like the smartest guy in the room. Not that he usually wasn’t.

But I didn’t say any of that. Instead, I just smiled. "Congratulations again. You deserve it."

"Let’s go to Delmonico’s for lunch this Friday. My treat—we should celebrate."

He usually saved places like that for the women he dated. With me, it was always the company café or the Irish pub down the street—a quick drink after work, sometimes with the rest of the team. Never anywhere upscale.

My heart kicked up a beat, even as I told myself I was being ridiculous. This wasn’t special. It wasn’t different. I was his assistant—nothing more.

Two days later, the announcement came down from the powers above by company email. The whole team was excited for Ansel and they congratulated himandme because everyone knew I’d be going up to the fortieth floor with him.

“I hope he’ll take me with him,” Brian whined. “It’s not gonna be the same without him.”

I understood what he meant. Not all departments were like ours, and we were fortunate to have a leader as good as Ansel.

Ansel would officially take over the new role in a couple of weeks, so he wanted to make sure he could hand over all his tasks to his successor.

A week later, we found out that the new occupant of his office was an external hire.

During our first meeting, she told me that she was bringing her assistant from her previous job, whom she had worked with for many years. I told her I understood, and even though I didn’t say anything about moving with Ansel because a formal offer hadn’t been made, yet, I got the feeling she knew I was going to stay with my boss.

I was sure he’d be giving me my new title and contract when we went for lunch—ourfancylunch.

God! My life was amazing, I thought as I walked to Ansel’s office, one hand balancing a tablet against my chest, the other gripping a folder filled with last-minute reports.

I passed by Vanessa Keller's office, which was at the same level as Ansel’s. They both reported to the same Vice President. There were rumors about them having an affair, which I quashed. My boss was too professional and career-focused to mess up by having a relationship in the workplace. However, he and Vanessawerefriends and spent time together even when they weren’t working, so, sometimes, I wondered if they were indeed closer.

The door to Vanessa’s office was cracked open and when I heard my name, I instinctively stopped.

“Ansel, you know Neha isn’t manager material,” I heard Vanessa say.

My heart thumped loudly, waiting for Ansel to reply, to defend me.

“I know.”

I stood frozen, looking at my knee-high boots. I couldn’t believe it.

“So, she’s not going upstairs with you?” Vanessa asked.

“No,” Ansel replied.

“But Ginny is bringing her own assistant.” Ginny was Ansel’s successor.

“Yeah, I know. I’d hoped that Neha could just stay with Ginny but now….”

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