Chapter 3 The invite

It's another beautiful morning, the sun is out, shinning as bright and visible for all to see just like Amelia's dreams are. She gets dressed and puts on a pink trouser suit with a black tube camisole, make-up on fleek and her hair straight down commanding the elegance and respect that she eludes. She goes down to the garage of her apartment and gets into the official car that was given to her, one of the perks of working at Hawthorn & Associates and she goes off to the office.

The days at Hawthorn & Associates blurred together for Amelia Grayson as she threw herself into her work with unrelenting determination. Early mornings and late nights became her norm as she delved into legal intricacies, strategized, and relentlessly pursued excellence. She was determined to be not just another attorney but a force of change within the firm.

Amelia's office, a sleek and modern space on the 17th floor, was a testament to her meticulous nature. Law books lined the shelves, and neatly organized files occupied her desk. Every inch of her office exuded an air of professionalism and dedication.

One evening, as she was engrossed in reviewing a particularly complex merger agreement, a soft knock on her office door disrupted her concentration. It swung open to reveal Sarah, her friend and confidante.

"Melia, I thought I might find you here," Sarah said with a wry smile. "Still burning the midnight oil, I see."

Amelia looked up, her eyes briefly flickering with exhaustion before she managed a tired grin. "You know me, Sarah. The grind never stops."

Sarah shook her head in amusement. "You're relentless, Melia. But I worry that you're pushing yourself too hard."

Amelia leaned back in her chair her expression more serious now. "I appreciate your concern, but this is what it takes to make it in this world, especially for someone like me. I have to work twice as hard to prove myself."

Sarah sighed, understanding the weight of Amelia's words. As women in a male-dominated industry, they were all too aware of the expectations placed upon them.

"I get it, Melia," Sarah replied. "But remember, you're not alone in this. We're here to support each other."

Amelia nodded, appreciative of the camaraderie. "Thank you, Sarah. Your friendship means the world to me."

Sarah gets a text and is super excited smiling from chin to chin, Melia closed her file and focused on Sarah, once she was done with the text Melia cleared her throat and Sarah smiled and said 'Okay, fine I know what comes after that look' Melia patiently waiting for the gist walks to the fridge in her office and gets a bottle of juice and cookies to serve on a tray so they can be entertained while talking.

Sarah went on about how she's been getting lovely text messages from the gentleman from last night, she said his name is Derek and he's an investment banker working with some of the biggest players in the business of which Hawthorn & Associate is a part of.

She went on and on talking about so much that Melia fell asleep in the middle of the conversation, Sarah smiled looking at Melia sleep because she knows she works harder than anyone so she deserves a break.

She woke her up and they both packed up and left Melia's office the hugged at the entrance, bid each other fell well, got into their cars and went to their respective homes.

Over the following weeks, the same old routine for Amelia, lots and lots of paper work, cases won and each day she keeps climbing the ladder one step at a time, but as always there will be people who can't stand to see her succeed because of their misogynistic mentality, they feel bringing a female lawyer into the sacred company of males was just not right, in the end all they can do is lament while Amelia keeps on closing deals for the firm, She continued to excel in her work, earning the respect and admiration some of her colleagues.

She was often the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave, tirelessly taking on challenging cases and offering innovative solutions. Her dedication was undeniable, and it didn't go unnoticed.

One crisp autumn evening, as the sun dipped below the New York skyline, Amelia received an email notification. It was an invitation to a gala event hosted by Hawthorn & Associates, an exclusive affair that would be attended by influential figures in the legal and financial world. Amelia knew that this was an opportunity she couldn't afford to miss.

So, she called her lifeline Sarah and, in a jiffy, Sarah came to Amelia's house with a designer who brought five of his best designs and a make-up artist to add the finishing touches with her look. After trying on all the outfits Amelia finally found the one, the outfit with a statement and she said yes!! this is it she did her make-up accordingly and her gorgeously glittering silver accessories.

The night of the gala arrived, and Amelia donned a stunning emerald-green long gown with a front slit with a buckle strap silver glittering stiletto that accentuated her elegance, sexiness and confidence.

She had spent hours perfecting her appearance, wanting to make a lasting impression on the firm's partners and clients who would be in attendance.

As she entered the lavish ballroom of a prestigious hotel, the opulence of the event took her breath away. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, and the soft strains of a string quartet filled the air.

The guests, dressed in their finest attire, mingled and exchanged business cards, their conversations a delicate dance of ambition and opportunity.

Amelia navigated the room with grace, introducing herself to partners and clients alike. She spoke passionately about her work and her vision for the firm, leaving a trail of intrigued and impressed individuals in her wake.

At the center of the room, Charles Hawthorn held court, surrounded by a circle of influential figures. Amelia watched him closely, her determination to make her mark intensifying. She knew that catching his attention at this event could be a turning point in her career.

As the evening progressed, Amelia found herself engaged in a conversation with Daniel Reynolds, a charismatic hedge fund manager and one of Hawthorn & Associates' high-profile clients. He was tall and impeccably dressed, exuding a confidence that matched hers.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly from mergers and acquisitions to personal interests and shared ambitions. Amelia was captivated by Daniel's intellect and charm, and he, in turn, was intrigued by her passion and determination.