When the Tables Turn

Jalissa had barely been at Owens Tech for a few weeks, but she already felt like she was hitting her stride. The sprawling glass building that had once intimidated her now felt like home—a place where she was proving her worth every single day.

Her mornings were structured, her tasks clear, and her resolve sharper than ever. She began each day with a checklist, meticulously organizing not only her own responsibilities but also ensuring that Victor's schedule ran like clockwork. From the moment she stepped into the office, she was on a mission to exceed expectations.

On her third day, Jalissa was invited to lunch with a few coworkers. They were a mix of personalities—Aiden from marketing, a fast-talking and witty strategist; Naomi from HR, who exuded warmth and patience; and Claire from legal, whose dry humor kept everyone laughing.

"So, Jalissa," Aiden began as they settled into a booth at a nearby café, "what's it like working directly with the big boss? Is he as intense as everyone says?"

Jalissa sipped her iced tea and smiled. "He has high expectations, but he's fair. If you're prepared and efficient, he respects you. I don't think that's a bad thing."

Naomi nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear. Victor can be intimidating, but he's brilliant. You're lucky to work so closely with him."

"I feel lucky," Jalissa admitted. "But it's also a lot of work. I'm learning so much, though."

"Let me guess," Claire interjected, smirking. "You're one of those people who has a color-coded planner and alphabetizes their spices."

Jalissa laughed. "Not quite, but I do love a good checklist."

By the end of lunch, Jalissa felt more connected to the team. They were supportive, encouraging, and genuinely interested in her success—a refreshing change from the isolating whirlwind her life had been just a few months ago.

Within weeks, Victor had started to notice Jalissa's impact on his work and personal life. She was a natural at anticipating his needs, organizing his day with precision, and ensuring nothing slipped through the cracks.

"Jalissa," Victor said one afternoon, leaning against the doorframe of her office, "how did you manage to fit in an hour of downtime between my meetings today? That wasn't on my schedule."

She looked up from her laptop and smiled. "You've been running back-to-back meetings all week. I figured you could use a break to regroup."

Victor tilted his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're something else, you know that?"

Jalissa chuckled. "I just want to make sure you don't burn out, Victor. You can't run an empire if you're running on fumes."

Her thoughtful approach extended beyond his schedule. She had taken it upon herself to send flowers and gifts to high-paying clients for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions—a detail Victor hadn't even realized until clients began thanking him personally.

"Victor," a client had said in a meeting, "the painting you sent for my anniversary was stunning. My wife and I were touched by your thoughtfulness."

Victor had turned to Jalissa afterward, his expression half-amused and half-incredulous. "When did you even find time to do that?"

"I made time," Jalissa had replied simply.

The highlight of Jalissa's growing responsibilities came when Owens Tech was on the verge of securing a deal with a major Japanese client, Hiroshi Takeda. Takeda was known for his discerning taste and meticulous nature. It was no secret that winning him over could make or break the deal.

Victor had prepped the team extensively, but Jalissa decided to go the extra mile. She researched Takeda's background, discovering his passion for traditional Japanese art. Jalissa, fluent in Japanese from college courses and her love of the culture, saw an opportunity to connect on a deeper level.

On the day of the meeting, Takeda arrived with his delegation, his demeanor calm but reserved. Jalissa greeted him warmly in fluent Japanese, bowing respectfully.

Takeda's eyes widened in surprise, and a smile broke through his otherwise serious expression. "あなたは日本語を話せますか (Do you speak Japanese)？" he asked, clearly impressed.

"少し話せます (I can speak a little)," Jalissa replied modestly. "I've always admired your culture and art, especially the works of Hokusai and Hiroshige."

Victor watched the interaction from the side, his expression unreadable.

As the meeting progressed, Jalissa presented Takeda with a gift—a framed reproduction of a famous woodblock print by Hokusai, accompanied by a handwritten note in Japanese thanking him for his time and consideration.

Takeda held the gift carefully, his appreciation evident. "This is thoughtful and beautiful. Thank you."

The meeting concluded with Takeda praising Owens Tech not only for its professionalism but also for its attention to detail.

As soon as the clients left, Victor turned to Jalissa. "You just secured that deal, you know that?"

Jalissa smiled, trying to downplay her role. "It was a team effort."

"Don't be modest," Victor said, his tone firm but warm. "You've gone above and beyond since you started here. I don't know how I got anything done before you came along."

That evening, Victor called an impromptu team gathering to celebrate the successful meeting. Jalissa found herself surrounded by coworkers who were eager to praise her contributions.

"You're like a ninja," Aiden said, raising his glass. "You swooped in, saved the day, and made us all look good."

Jalissa laughed, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time. "I'm just doing my job. But thank you."

Victor raised his own glass. "To Jalissa. For proving that hard work, intelligence, and a little finesse can make all the difference."

The team cheered, and for the first time in years, Jalissa felt like she was exactly where she belonged.