Chapter 4 The File

Mondays weren't supposed to feel like this.

Avery stood frozen outside Ace's office, clutching the folder that could very well ruin her.

She'd mixed up two client portfolios - high-profile ones. Somehow, the Anderson proposal had been sent to the wrong investor, and now Ace had called her in with just two words in the email: "My office. Now."

"Sir," she said quietly, stepping inside.

Ace didn't look up immediately. His gaze was fixed on his screen.

"Do you know how much this deal was worth?" he asked, voice sharp as glass.

"I-I realized the mistake as soon as I hit send. I've already called to clarify. They-"

"I don't care if you called God himself, Caldwell," he cut in, finally looking at her. "Incompetence like that could cost this company millions."

Her throat tightened. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

He studied her in silence for a long second. "I hope not. Because next time, a call from HR will follow."

The words hit harder than she expected. Maybe it was the coldness in his eyes. Maybe it was how it stung - hearing "Caldwell" instead of "Avery."

Either way, she nodded, whispered another apology, and left before her tears could show.

---

Two days passed in silence.

Ace barely acknowledged her.

By Thursday, she was beginning to feel invisible.

Then she overheard it - Betty on the phone in the hallway, laughing softly.

"We'll be flying first class," she said. "Yeah. Just me and Ace. He said it's too sensitive to bring the new girl."

The words struck Avery like a slap.

She stormed to her desk, logged into the system, and confirmed it. A meeting in Chicago. Friday through Sunday. Betty had access, of course.

But no one had said a word to her.

Not even him.