Page 44 of Selfish Suit

“Because she’s affected your productivity in a way I never thought was possible.” He looks at his watch. “And that affects my money, so… she has to go. Sooner rather than later.”

THE INTERN

IVY

There’s one day and twelve hours left until our big presentation.

The team is still grinding, huddled in the war room like our entire existence depends on thirty colorful slides, blown-up balloon candies, and a product video.

We’ve all been chatting nonstop—fixing minor lines and revising where we’ll stand, and Dominic hasn’t said much of anything. He’s remained mute in his chair, watching.

“Do you think we should lead with the montage of our proposed commercials or the montage of their slogan against the stock footage?” Marcus asks me.

“The commercials,” I say. “I’m not changing my answer on that.”

“I know.” He smiles. “Just double-checking.”

“Would you mind going over the color blocking on the?—”

“He should mind since he’s already gone through it for you six fucking times tonight,” Dominic speaks for the first time—his voice laced with venom.

All the air is suddenly sucked out of the room, and everyone goes still.

“I don’t mind showing it to you again, Miss Locke.” A junior strategist stammers. “I know you mentioned swapping the placement of the demographic data and?—”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Dominic silences her with a glare and then he scans the room.

His jaw ticks once. Twice.

Someone coughs. A pen clicks. Chairs creak under nervous shifting.

“How about fixing this instead of going over the same shit over and over again?” He holds up my segment like it’s garbage. “Do you actually think this is good enough?”

I blink.

My part has been the strongest since day one.

“You all are wasting your time going in circles,” he says. “Make a decision, commit to it, and then focus on making it stick. I can’t believe I’ve sat here this long without saying that.”

“And I can’t believe you’re being this much of an asshole, for no fucking reason.” I snap.

A collective gasp fills the room, and suddenly it feels like everyone is scared to take a breath.

“Excuse me, Miss Locke?” Dominic’s face reddens. “What did you say?”

“You’re being an asshole.” I enunciate every syllable. “For no reason. Everyone is here late, working their asses off for your company, so you and your partner can potentially make millions, and this campaign is amazing.”

He narrows his eyes.

“Don’t take out whatever personal issues you’re going through on us.”

“Miss Locke, there is nothing personal going on between us right now.” His voice is cold as ice. “And there’s no room for questioning little things this close to a presentation day. If youhad years of experience like most of the people in this room, you’d know that.”

“Okay, Mr. Sutton.” I refuse to put up with a back-and-forth with him, refuse to let him make me feel small. Especially now. I grab my bag and make sure to leave my materials on the table.

“You know what?” I shrug. “I’m done working here.”

“If you walk out now, don’t bother coming back.”

---