The next morning, Mel was in Rhys Kallen's private conference room on the 70th floor, observing a secure video feed of the Kallen Capital Group Board meeting. She was his silent observer, the keeper of the secret weapon.
The meeting focused on the initial vote for the Argos Initiative. As expected, Leila Vaughn rose to speak, sharp and unwavering.
"My security audit team has identified persistent, unvetted risks in the proposed Asian supply chain, specifically concerning potential labor and ethical infractions. I propose we table this vote for two weeks."
A moment of tension gripped the room. Then, Rhys, calm and commanding, nodded to his general counsel.
The counsel spoke: "With respect, Ms. Vaughn, the integrity of your security audit has been called into question. It has come to the Board's attention that the principal non-profit you chair, the Green Future Fund, recently purchased its headquarters through a substantial personal donation, channeling the payment to a company owned by your brother. While legal, this presents a clear conflict of interest that suggests personal priorities may be influencing your professional judgment on major corporate expansion votes."
The effect was instantaneous and devastating. Leila's jaw tightened, her face paling. The ethical stain, though minor and legal, was enough. Her objections, previously powerful, now sounded like sour grapes from a director whose own conduct was less than pristine. The motion to delay failed, and the Argos Initiative passed its initial vote.
Mel watched Rhys Kallen. He never even looked at her. He had simply deployed the knife she handed him. She had secured his position, but she had publicly undermined her only ally.
While Mel was entangled in high-stakes political espionage on the 70th floor, Chloe Vance was enjoying the rewards of following the rules.
On the 55th floor, Chloe was no longer just an intern. Her successful, sanitized logistics report for Hayes had earned her a quick promotion to Junior Project Analyst on the Acquisitions Team. She had a proper cubicle, her own access, and a mandate to help acquire smaller, ethically vetted suppliers. She was reliable, discreet, and constantly praised for her stability.
"The past week has been exactly what I signed up for. No drama, just success. Mel might be the knife, but the knife always gets used up and discarded. I choose the stable, powerful climb. I'm building a résumé, not a prison sentence."… Chloe thought to herself.
Later that afternoon, Chloe was waiting for the executive elevator, meticulously dressed, when the doors opened. Standing inside, dominating the space, was Rhys Kallen.
Chloe immediately straightened, adopting the perfect blend of respect and confidence. "Mr. Kallen."
Rhys acknowledged her with a slight nod. "Ms. Vance. I remember you from the initial selection. Hayes spoke highly of your logistics audit results."
"Thank you, sir. I believe in delivering clear, actionable results, free of unnecessary noise."
Rhys gave her that slow, measuring smile.
"Unnecessary noise. That's a good phrase."
As the elevator started its descent, he turned to her.
"You and Ms. Donaldson. Both from the scholarship. Two completely different approaches. She chose the risk; you chose the reward."
Rhys extended his hand, the gesture shocking Chloe.
"Keep doing what you're doing, Ms. Vance. We need people who know how to keep our operations running smoothly. Mel is the knife; you are the shield. I need both."
Rhys exited the elevator, leaving Chloe breathless. He knew exactly who she was and what she was doing. She had been validated by the CEO himself. She was the Shield, stable, praised, and predictable. But a sliver of bitterness remained: Mel was the high-risk weapon that stood by the CEO's side, while Chloe was recognized only for her efficient silence.