The office had settled into a strange quiet by the time Clara arrived in the morning. The previous day’s conversations with Tom and Priya had given her hope, but she knew it was only the beginning. Winning them over wasn’t just about words—it was about proving her commitment through actions.
As she made her way to her desk, the system’s interface shimmered softly in her vision.
[Daily Objectives Updated.]
[Primary Objective: Neutralize remaining dissenters—85% Complete.]
[Secondary Objective: Strengthen internal support—99% Complete.]
[New Objective: Address concerns of employees still on the fence.]
Clara exhaled, taking a sip of coffee as she scanned the list of names the system provided. While Tom and Priya were the most vocal dissenters, there were still employees who hadn’t fully decided where they stood. These people weren’t openly against her, but they weren’t exactly allies either.
One name stood out. Melissa Cheng.
Melissa had been wary but somewhat receptive during their last conversation. She was well-connected in the office, and Clara knew that if she could win Melissa over, it might encourage others to follow.
“Alright,” Clara murmured, straightening in her chair. “Let’s do this.”
Clara found Melissa in the small lounge area near the break room, scrolling through her phone as she sipped her tea. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the vending machine and the occasional clatter of cups in the nearby kitchen.
Clara approached cautiously. “Morning, Melissa.”
Melissa looked up, her expression neutral. “Morning, Clara.”
Clara hesitated, then gestured toward the chair across from her. “Mind if I sit?”
Melissa shrugged. “Go ahead.”
Clara took a seat, choosing her words carefully. “I wanted to follow up on our last conversation. You said people aren’t sure what to think of me yet. I get that. But I want to change it.”
Melissa set her phone down, folding her arms. “And how do you plan to do that?”
Clara leaned forward slightly. “By listening. By actually addressing concerns instead of just pushing changes from the top down. That’s why I’m here—to hear from you.”
Melissa studied her for a moment before sighing. “Alright, you want to know what’s bothering me? It’s simple. Trust.”
Clara nodded. “Go on.”
Melissa tapped her fingers against the table. “People don’t trust leadership. Not just Diane, not just you. The whole system. You think one meeting with Vivian Mercer is going to change that?”
Clara frowned. “I don’t think one meeting will fix everything. But it’s a step. And I need help taking more of them.”
Melissa smirked. “You’re asking me to help fix the system?”
“I’m asking you to help make it better,” Clara corrected. “You have influence, Melissa. People listen to you.”
Melissa exhaled, picking up her tea again. “You’re not wrong. But people are scared, Clara. They saw what happened to Elliot, and even if he deserved it, it showed how fast things can change. Nobody wants to be next.”
Clara felt a pang of frustration but kept her tone even. “I get that. And I don’t want to rule through fear. That’s why I need people like you—to help make sure changes happen the right way.”
Melissa was silent for a moment before she finally sighed. “Alright. I’ll think about it.”
[Relationship with Melissa Cheng improved. Relationship Level: 70%. Status: Neutral.]
Clara smiled faintly. “That’s all I ask.”
As Clara returned to her desk, the system’s interface displayed an update.
[Progress Update:]
[Primary Objective: Neutralize remaining dissenters—88% Complete.]
[Secondary Objective: Strengthen internal support—100% Complete.]
Clara’s breath hitched slightly at the sight of the fully completed secondary objective. It wasn’t over yet, but she had finally built enough internal support to push forward without feeling like the entire office was against her.
Her phone buzzed suddenly, pulling her from her thoughts. A new email had arrived.
Subject: "Follow-Up Discussion – CEO’s Office, 4:00 p.m."
Details: “Ms. Mercer would like to discuss ongoing developments.”
Clara swallowed hard. Another meeting with Vivian Mercer.
The system chimed softly.
[Advisory: Meeting likely to determine leadership direction. Probability of strategic shift: 74%.]
Clara clenched her jaw. If this meeting was about the future of the company, she needed to be ready.
And she would be.
Clara tapped her fingers against her desk, staring at the CEO’s email. Another meeting with Vivian Mercer. The weight of it pressed down on her chest like a heavy stone. She knew she had made progress, but was it enough? Was she being called in for praise, or for scrutiny?
Sam wandered over, leaning on the divider between their desks. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Clara huffed a quiet laugh. “Not a ghost. Just an email.” She tilted her screen so Sam could see.
Sam’s eyebrows shot up. “Another meeting with Mercer? Damn, you’re moving up fast.”
“Or walking into a trap,” Clara muttered.
Sam smirked. “You worried?”
“A little,” Clara admitted. “She’s impossible to read.”
Sam nudged her playfully. “You’ll be fine. Just don’t get yourself fired before happy hour.”
Clara rolled her eyes. “I’ll do my best.”
[Relationship with Sam Albright improved. Relationship Level: 98%. Status: Supportive.]
Clara exhaled, trying to refocus. She still had a few hours before the meeting. The best thing she could do now was prepare.
She opened a new document, jotting down key points. If Vivian wanted a summary of the office climate, Clara needed to be direct but strategic. Strengths, weaknesses, remaining concerns—she had to show that she understood the company’s internal landscape better than anyone.
The system chimed softly.
[New Suggestion: Compile employee feedback into a concise report. Probability of positive reception: 81%.]
Clara nodded to herself. “Good idea.”
For the next hour, she reviewed her notes, gathering insights from previous conversations. She categorized employee concerns into themes: trust, communication, accountability. If she was going to convince Vivian Mercer that her approach was working, she needed concrete evidence.
By the time the clock neared 4:00 p.m., Clara felt as ready as she could be. She took a deep breath, stood, and grabbed her notebook.
This was her moment.