In everyone's life there is such a strange day, which is difficult to classify as bad, good, or even average. This day was just that. But Val would call it alive, because there was little routine and a lot of events. Joyful and sad, infuriating and forcing to think, exhausting and making me smile at memories.

“We thank you for the work done,” this Sfairat spoke after Christina Koch finished her report. – I am sure that your acumen and other qualities will be useful to us in the future.

Val couldn't believe her ears, lowering her hand from her naughty bangs. She never complained about hearing. But the point was, of course, not in this, but in the fact that she did not put aside in her head how one could receive praise and recognition, while at the same time being out of luck. Her world was different. Did you get the job done? Get a reward! Accept thanks! Get a promotion! But don't... That's what was happening at the moment. This Sfirat Hull fired Miss Koch.

“Thanks, but no,” the pale woman replied. I will refuse your offer.

Val blinked and even shook her head. She listened to something while thinking about electrified hair. What exactly did Christina refuse?

“Let's get to know each other again,” Sfirerat continued to say, as if not noticing the furious click of the door. For those who may not know me.

There were chuckles. Judging by the looks of those present, everyone knew him, and it turns out that he appeared to her alone. Valian worried about Christina. Val felt that she needed her now.

– I think it is worth explaining the reasons why I decided to take control of the company in my own hands.

- Just a minute.

Val took a deep breath, nodded at something, and headed for the door, confident and without asking permission. She was not interested in the words of the new boss. Even if she stayed, it would not be in her competence. She was not afraid of being fired. She did not even doubt that she would be “left”. This tradition of "a new leader equals a change in administration" somehow, but still fit in her head.

"Come back!" – said the voice, it was worth being in the corridor. - "Do not pay attention to human passions, you know that Christina is still ... "

Val walked down the corridor, holding herself back from running. The walls of the conference room were glass. She didn't want them to see her like this. Little? choppy? Not an elf.

- Shut up please! she finally said as she rounded the corner. “Shut up and crawl into that hole you were in before!”

The voice did not answer, it seemed that he followed her advice, which had not happened before. He usually entered into a tough debate with her, somewhat reminiscent of a faithful friend Asa.

- Valian? Miss Koch asked as the Backwoods touched her. - What are you doing here?

Cristina wiped tears from her cheeks, then took her hand off her shoulder, fiddled with a handkerchief, but then turned and hugged her.

- You should be there.

Val managed to get to know Christine during these six months and therefore chose this scenario of behavior. So they usually showed sympathy for warriors, harsh and intolerant of sentiment.

"You shouldn't," Valian said calmly.

This world was alien to her not because of technology, almost killed nature or lack of magic. He was stale right before his eyes and was not ashamed of his cynicism.

- It's such a shame! This! This!..

She listened to her confused mutterings, kept her hand on her shoulder blade, feeling the echoes of her heart hidden behind him, and said nothing. If any of the magicians looked into the office, he would definitely see how light emanates from Val. Suldemir and Eoneirner would certainly have reprimanded her, but Elanis' girlfriend would have supported her. If the Universe has endowed you with a gift, then you need to share it. Otherwise, why would he?

“Agree to his offer, Miss Koch,” Val said softly. You need this job.

She's full of debt. She has a sick mother. And still apartment with unfinished repair. If she leaves, then Rosalyn Koch will never move in with her daughter.

“You don't know what you're talking about, Valian,” said Miss Koch, pulling back. - It's a handout.

Val followed her fees, listened to the explanations that everything is different in the corporate world and did not agree with what was said.

“He's exiling me to some godforsaken York. It's a defeat, Valian. Exile!

“He appreciated the work done,” Val said uncertainly, trying to remember what the new boss said after. “Sometimes, you need to step back so that there is a run-up maneuver.

What a useless secretary she is!

- These are just words! Nonsense that is said to everyone to sweeten the bitter pill.

Valian Backwoods sighed. She talked about this. The callous world has given birth to people who do not listen to the heart, who do not believe in something real and are always afraid of something.

“I'm tired of this attitude. Ask when does something like this happen? Men appropriate all the laurels for themselves ...

Before Val had time to open her mouth to object to her, she was interrupted.

I have offered you a job that you do best.

The deep and strong voice of the man made Val's arms and shoulders goosebumps. She turned to Spheirath, not understanding how he managed to sneak up on her again and remain unnoticed.

“It is my right to refuse your offer!”

“Your strong point is to pull the company into whatever deep hole it hits.” Sfirerat Hull stopped, tucking his hands in his pockets. - Didn't you notice it?

The man stood next to her, barely paying attention to her. The elf was seized by momentary irritation... It concerned him and herself as well.

“Miss Backwoods, can you make us some coffee?”

In general, it would be more correct to call it a complex cocktail of feelings and emotions. Surprise, irritation, curiosity and even admiration were mixed in it. She would hardly have admitted the latter had anyone asked her about it.

“No need,” Christina interjected, raising a new wave of irritation within Val. “I understand everything and I won’t stay here for long.

“You will stay and listen to me,” the man said in a tone of impatient objection. - Otherwise, I will decide that it was not you who worked all this time, but someone else.

Valian Backwoods was ready to hit her on the head. What came over her cold and reasonable Christina? Why was it necessary to become such a stubborn right now, when her future was being decided? Val definitely did not understand people. Their pride made itself known at the strangest moments. Or...

- Your secretary, for example.

Val left.

No.

She hurried to get away from the two, as soon as possible, so as not to hear anything else. She didn't want to be a living reminder of anyone's shame. And it seemed to her that she was the reason for those changes. That's what was hidden behind the unfinished thought "or ..."

- In hell!

The voice, as soon as she left the office, appeared immediately and declared, but not with his usual sarcasm, but with some incredible heat.

“You shouldn’t have shared your gift with them! It wasn't necessary! He changed that depressed Koch. He influenced this Sfirat! Who knows what it would be if it weren't for that!

Val was silent, pacing along the corridor and looking in front of her, it seems that with glassy eyes. She didn't try to protest. The voice was her madness, but he never lied to her or intimidated her. She just didn't feel right now.

Did she regret what she had done now?

She tried not to think about it, not to convince herself and not to justify herself, entering the hall where they talked, drank coffee, laughed quite recently very serious people. She tidied up some of the tables, folded up copies of the reports, turned off the projector, and put away the flash drive.

Why didn't I notice you before? Mr. Bezos asked her, giving her an overly attentive look. "Valian, isn't it?"

Valian had an answer to his question. There were several. If you do not paint in detail, then the reason lay in total employment, rare visits to this part of the building, the stunning secretary Alicia and Val's unwillingness to catch anyone's eye.

“Probably because you have a lot of work, Mr. Bezos,” Val answered politely, her lips stretched into an on-duty smile.

Reginald Bezos, the owner of a multi-million dollar fortune, thought otherwise. A greasy spark appeared in his gaze, and Val, meeting his eyes, answered him with cold indifference, and then with cruelty. Just like in a tavern, when she made it clear that a little more and everyone would feel bad.

“Well, we're not that busy guys,” Reginald said, as if not noticing anything, and, turning his head slightly, asked. - Truth?

After receiving a collective roar of approval in response, Mr. Cool, bald and insanely rich continued.

Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee today?

Val physically felt her eyes widen. In her modest glance, he had had enough coffee, but aloud she said something else.

“I’m afraid that I will be busy these days, Mr. Bezos,” she replied, not understanding what was happening and why these mega-successful and all-powerful males of this world were activated. I'll look for a job or come up with reasons why I can't have coffee with you.

- Daring! Reginald laughed, throwing back his head. "I'm sure I haven't met you before."

At some point, Backwoods realized that she did not care how these words would backfire on her in the future. She won't stay here with that kind of attitude.

"Mr. Reginald, will you let me pass?" she asked, dropping a heavy folder of papers.

When she was looking for a job, she had search criteria. She was ready to put up with an irregular working day and an extended list of duties, but was categorically against the mess in the team.

“I wonder what these changes are connected with,” Mr. Bezos did not ask, but said, haltingly, seeing something in her appearance.

“I'm asking the same question, Mr. Bezos,” she interrupted with carefully controlled calm, but she stepped forward, ready to push him away from her.

A not so crazy thought came into her mind - as if the locals realized that with the arrival of Sfairath Hull, completely different times come.

- That's just...

He pretended not to hear her, but he didn't finish his thought either.

“Bezos, leave my secretary alone,” said the deep, strong voice she already knew. “Better yet, forget about her existence forever.

“Hell, we’re just talking,” he hastened to reassure. - Did not notice…

‘Keep doing this,’ said Sphirat Hell, barely reaching the center of the hall.

The men turned their heads towards the newcomer, which reminded her of a herd of geese in the backyard of her home. They looked at the driver, who suddenly ceased to please her. Sympathy turned to dislike in the blink of an eye, because Val realized to whom exactly she owed the changed behavior of a dozen men. To him. Sfirat Hull.

“Miss Backwoods, pack Miss Coach and get the office in order.

She listened to him, but did not stand still. Bezos stepped aside. Valian walked towards Sfireat. The men parted. Val was angry, feeling her fingers tingle. This was a bad sign. So bad that he'd rather offer her coffee and stretch his legs while Val calms down and comes to his senses.

- Anything else?

“Start getting ready to move to the fortieth floor.

Spheirath Hell seemed to be smiling at something. For a very short moment. However, the sparkle in his eyes was enough to make Val let go. She did not melt, but in an instant she felt like she had in the morning when she looked at him - embarrassed and discouraged.