Hold Your Nerves, Boy

Copyright © [2025] [SinFantasy]. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, transmitted, stored, or reused, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical.

All persons engaging in any sexual activity are at least eighteen years of age.

While I have diligently edited this story, some errors may persist.

This story is an entry for the "On the job story challenge" 2025. The premise of this challenge is to merge Literotica Fantasies in the workplace.

This is a fantasy woven into the reality of everyday drama and office politics. You want it to be realistic? Just skip the steamy parts. Hey, but what's the fun in that? I hope you enjoy this roller coaster ride.

It takes a while to establish characters before we reach the sensual bits.

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~ Hold Your Nerves ~

Chapter 1: The Last Working Day

Friday, 18th April, 09:45 AM

Jeremy was in a panic. A knot of anxiety kept tightening in his stomach with each tick of the clock.

It was his last working day at Dataminds, and he still had not received the promised offer letter from his prospective new job. He was looking at the clock, waiting for it to hit 10:00 AM. The opening time for the HR helpline at Symbiotic Inc. A rising software development firm with a shady reputation.

He had been doing this for the last two weeks since the final interview. He recalled his conversation with Mr. Wallace, the HR head of Symbiotic Inc.

"We are impressed with your performance, Mr. Seymour. We think you are a perfect fit as a team lead for our new project. The timeline is quite sharp. We expect you to join in two weeks. Can you do that?"

"Of course, sir. I am already serving my notice period, and my last working day is Friday, 18th April. I can join on Monday, 21st April." He confirmed.

"Very well, Mr. Seymour. Welcome aboard, and I will see you in two weeks."

Jeremy was super excited for the next few days. However, his excitement soon turned to disappointment. For all their talk of sharp timelines, this startup was too lethargic. They had not sent him the offer letter or the breakdown of the salary package.

Today was Friday, 18th April, his last working day. He was holding the checklist for exit formalities that he had to complete today. His division director, Rick Thompson, was blocking his growth. He had tried his best to change Rick's mind, but nothing worked. He had resigned in the moment of frustration. Now, he wondered if Rick would allow him to continue if he begged him.

Maybe he would, but was he willing to compromise his self-respect? More importantly, could he give up on his ambition and growth? No, he could not do that. Not yet.

Jeremy loved his current job. Yes, he would sorely miss his team. He would also miss his manager, Angela. That thought stilled him. Angela was his dream woman. If he leaves today, he may never meet her again. That thought pained him, but he was a realistic person. While he indulged in his fantasies of Angela, she was way out of his league, and he knew that. She was also a decade older than him.

Jeremy was confident of his skills. All he needed was the right opportunity. He had bigger dreams. His growth was stunted here. Rick had made it clear that he wouldn't let him grow. That obnoxious man had a personal agenda against him. No, he had to venture out.

He thought of Symbiotic Inc. and his new job prospects. They had a lot of bad publicity, but their growth was unquestionable. That was his ticket to freedom and a new adventure. He could not give up just yet. All he needed was the confirmation that they would hire him on Monday.

The clock clicked 10:00 AM. He took a deep breath and called the HR support line. Navigating through the tedious IVR menu and verification process tested his patience. Finally, his call was routed to a human contact from the HR department.

He prayed it wouldn't be Cindy. He'd imagined her as an airhead. Her voice was sweet, but she was utterly useless.

"Good morning. Cindy here." The melodious voice greeted him from the other line.

"Fuck..." he murmured. His prayers were not answered. He braced for another frustrating conversation. "Thank God, I had the mute on." He appreciated the small mercy.

"Hi, Cindy. It's Jeremy. Any update on my request?" He asked while trying to keep calm.

"I'm sorry, sir. I don't recognize your name. What's the reason for your call?" The voice remained infuriatingly sweet.

Jeremy sighed. "Is she real?" He wondered. He had this conversation with Cindy every day for this entire week.

He repeated the same details, the same explanations. Each word brought a fresh wave of frustration. It was as if they were rehearsing a recorded conversation. Ten minutes later, he was no closer to an answer.

Panic started to creep in slowly for Jeremy. He was in deep, deep trouble now. Then a gruff voice sounded in his mind.

"HOLD YOUR NERVES, BOY."

It was his father's voice. He was a drill sergeant in the army.

Jeremy came from a broken family. His mother abandoned them when he was ten. She just got up and left one day. He was too young to understand her reasons. His father never answered any of his questions. While he was living with his father, he learned to take care of himself. When he was fifteen, his father accepted active duty in Afghanistan. His father had ensured he would be provided for till he was eighteen, and then he would be on his own. His father chose not to return home after completing his active duty. He just slipped away to parts unknown.

Jeremy had been on his own for a long time. This memory and his father's advice to hold his nerves had been his guiding light.

The memory jolted him awake to the real issue. He immediately calmed down. There was no point in arguing with Cindy. He needed information. How would he get the information from someone who could not even remember his name? He wondered.

"Flattery," the answer came immediately.

He smiled, and his focus returned to his ongoing call with Cindy.

"You have a very lovely voice, Cindy," he said, his tone deliberately slow and soft.

"Oh? Thank you, Jeremy." Her voice didn't change, but she now remembered his name.

"I'm so glad I got connected with you again, Cindy." He pushed.

"Hehehehe... of course, darling. I'm the only one working here." She replied cheerfully.

A cold dread spread through Jeremy. He tried to remember Mr. Wallace's first name, but he could not.

"It must be hard handling everything alone, Cindy." He continued.

"You're so sweet, Jeremy. It is hard remembering everything, you know?" She sighed.

"Why don't you ask Mr. Wallace for help?" He asked.

"Wallace? That lecturing bastard? He's probably scamming some other poor recruit." She spat, her tone suddenly venomous.

"Scamming?" Jeremy's heart pounded.

"Listen, Jeremy. Don't give that bastard any money, okay? He tricks people with false job promises." Her voice dropped to a whisper.

Jeremy felt a wave of dizziness. Symbiotic Inc., the startup with a poor reputation, had just revealed its true colors.

Cindy's image in his mind transformed from an airhead to a loving angel in an instant. She had saved him from a potential fraud.

"Thank you, Cindy. You are an angel." He whispered.

"Oh, thank you, sweets. So, what were you asking me to check?" she asked.

"Oh, it's nothing. Have a good day, Cindy." He disconnected the call.

Jeremy sighed. There was no job waiting for him. His alternatives were bleak. Now, he had to figure out if he could still retain his current job on the last working day.

***

Jeremy was a twenty-two-year-old, happy-go-lucky guy. He worked as an acting team lead for a team of developers at Datamind, a well-known software development firm. He had landed this job by a stroke of sheer luck. It had been three long years of continuous grind for his career goals.

Jeremy's Journey—Three Years Ago

Jeremy had completed high school with a 3.6 GPA. With no family support, it had been tough. Given his difficult circumstances, there was no hope of a college education. He continued with his part-time job as a pizza deliverer while looking for a better full-time job.

Jeremy was making a delivery for Jack at Dataminds. Jack was conducting interviews to backfill a programmer's profile.

"Here's your pepperoni, sir," Jeremy called. He placed the box on Jack's desk. His eyes drifted to the whiteboard. Jack has scribbled a code challenge there. He recognized the pattern and chuckled.

"Is there something funny?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, sir, not funny. It's just... that's a textbook problem. I've seen it a hundred times," Jeremy replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Intrigued, Jack decided to test him. "Alright, hotshot. Show me how you'd solve it."

Jeremy grabbed a marker and outlined an elegant solution. He also explained his reasoning as he went on.

Jack stood speechless as he watched Jeremy describe the most eloquent answer to his problem. "You've got a knack for this, kid. Where did you learn to code?"

"Got basics in school," Jeremy admitted. "Rest I picked online. Figured it out as I went."

Jack was impressed by Jeremy's ability. He decided to take a chance with Jeremy. "Look, we're interviewing for a programmer. How about a mock interview? Just for fun."

Jeremy, though nervous, agreed. The mock interview turned into a real one, and Jeremy's performance blew the other candidates out of the water. Jack saw something special in him.

"You've got something the others don't, kid," Jack said. "Raw talent. I'm going to put your name forward. We'll have to make an exception, but I think you're worth it."

Jack had to raise a special exception as Jeremy did not have a formal college education. HR had struggled to fill that position, and they agreed.

***

Jeremy's Journey—First Two Years at New Job

Jeremy knew it was a lucky break. Datamind had relaxed its stringent hiring criteria due to the business need. He wanted to make the best of the opportunity he had.

Jack was a team lead and helped Jeremy to adapt. Jeremy was the youngest on the team. His first two years were a grind. His other team members, Sarah, Mark, Sam, Lily, and Venus, were also supportive.

Jeremy worked his ass off to learn the required skills and adapt to corporate culture. He proved to be the best developer on the team. Be it ridiculous deadlines or complex code lifts, he managed it all in stride.

Sarah watched him debug a complex piece of code one day. "Wow, I have never seen anyone working that fast through the messy code," she complimented him.

Over time, he earned similar compliments from his other colleagues.

Mark clapped him on his shoulder. "You are amazing, man. I never thought I would learn something new from a rookie."

"You saved my code, thank you!" Lily said with a grateful smile.

"He's a code wizard!" Sam joked, raising his cup of coffee.

"You are a great asset to this team, Jeremy," Venus pinged him in chat. She was the silent one and rarely spoke.

Jeremy appreciated the support of Jack and his team, but he craved the attention of their team manager, Angela Chapman. She became his dream woman right from the first moment he met her.

***

Jeremy's Journey—Women of his dreams

Angela was a beautiful woman in her late thirties. She had smooth black hair that usually fell freely over her shoulders. Her deep emerald green eyes always captivated him. She preferred tailored suits with bright colors and light makeup. She was professional and yet so feminine. Her melodious voice could make him agree to anything.

He loved working with Angela. She had a keen understanding of the development life cycle. She always asked questions and understood the team challenges. She always showed her full support for the team. It was easy to work with her. He learned a lot from Angela. He deeply respected her intelligence and professionalism.

Working with Angela was a genuinely positive experience for him. Her warmth and understanding soothed his lonely heart. Jeremy would always get lost in her eyes.

"You've got a natural flair, Jeremy," she told him in a private meeting.

Jeremy was under the spell of her voice and presence. He would keep staring at her with an idiotic grin on his face.

"J-E-R-E-M-Y? Are you listening?" She had to call him out loud again. While she was loud, there was a gentle amusement in her voice.

"Yes... Yes, of course. Thank you," he managed to respond in his flustered state.

Jeremy could not deny his feelings for Angela. He had an overwhelming crush on her. He often struggled to keep his focus in her presence. Even with all his antics and wild imagination, he never dared to act on them.

Angela seemed to catch on to his habit. She never called him out about his wandering eyes. While she never encouraged him, they frequently engaged in casual conversation and healthy banter. It was good fun, all within the professional boundaries.

She would catch him looking at her. A fleeting smile would play on her lips. He would quickly turn away with a blush coloring his cheeks.

"So, what's your take on the new API?" she'd asked. Her voice had a low, melodious hum.

Jeremy woke up from his dream. "It's... interesting," he stammered. His mind still reeling from her presence. He was too shy to meet her eyes.

There was an undeniable chemistry between them. Could they have been more than just work colleagues? Maybe... They just never explored that possibility.

***

Jeremy's Journey: Chance for Promotion? One year ago

Jack was looking for relocation, and his request was approved. Before leaving, Jack recommended Jeremy as his replacement. His team also backed him unanimously.

"You've earned this, Jeremy," Angela said with a sparkle in her eyes. "You've proven yourself time and again."

He became the acting team lead for his team under Angela. His team was very happy with his support, and they had given him the vote of approval. Angela recommended his name for official promotion. All that was left was a final approval to make it official.

Then came the villain of the story. Mr. Rick Thompson joined as the new director for his division. He had a fellowship from Cambridge and a scholarly background. A chill settled over the team with his arrival. The casual camaraderie that had always defined their work environment seemed to subtly shift, replaced by an undercurrent of unease. He started with tightening work policies for Dataminds. A full-time college education became a mandatory condition for hiring and promotions.

Rick's arrival cast a long shadow over Jeremy's hard-earned success.

"Thompson's a real stickler for the rules," Sarah warned. "He's already making everyone nervous."

Rick's first meeting with the team was cold and formal. He made it clear that he valued credentials above all else.

"Dataminds prides itself on hiring the best and brightest," he said, his voice clipped and precise. "We maintain the highest standards."

When Jeremy's promotion was denied, he was devastated. He pleaded his case to Rick, but Rick was unmoved.

"Your work is... adequate," Rick said, his eyes cold. "But you lack the formal education this position requires."

"But I am already doing this job perfectly fine!" Jeremy protested. "My team supports me. Angela recommended me!"

"Rules are rules, Mr. Seymour," Rick said. His voice was full of disdain. "We can't just make exceptions for everyone."

Jeremy knew he was in trouble. There was nothing he could do about it. He had neither the money nor the time to go back to college. The HR rules had a provision to bypass this rule after three years of tenure. All he had to do was survive for another year.

Jeremy slogged for the entire year in the acting team lead position. He hoped his good work would change Rick's mind about the promotion.

Angela supported him wholeheartedly. The only blessing in disguise was that he was spending more and more time with Angela. She often helped him with feedback and coached him on various leadership skills.

"You've got a real talent for leadership, Jeremy," she said during one of their sessions. "The team respects you. So do I."

She pushed for his promotion again at the end of the year. She also got approval from HR proactively. However, it did not help. Rick rejected his promotion again, citing the same reason.

Jeremy knew it wasn't just about the rules. It was personal. Rick saw him as a fluke, an anomaly that didn't belong.

"Dataminds takes pride in having some of the best brains in the industry," Rick said, his voice laced with venom. "Hiring you was a bad judgment. The likes of you don't belong here."

The words stung. Rick had confirmed Jeremy's worst fears. Jeremy was an outsider, a self-taught prodigy in a world that valued pedigree. He had no future here. He resigned the next day, his dreams shattered, but his determination to prove Rick wrong was stronger than ever.

The news of his resignation rippled through the team. Sarah's eyes filled with tears, Mark clenched his jaw in anger, and even Venus, usually so composed, sent him a private message expressing her disbelief and sadness. They knew it was unfair, but their words were a small comfort against the weight of Rick's prejudice.

Angela was livid. It was the first time Jeremy saw her lose her cool. She argued with Rick, but he did not budge. When Jeremy resigned, she took it personally. She did not really talk with Jeremy after his resignation.

Jeremy often found her watching him from the corner of her eye. She seemed to be on the edge, as if she were deeply thinking about something. While they met regularly during his notice period, their interaction remained professional.

Angela leaned back in her chair after their last meeting. She had a wistful expression on her face.

"I hate to lose you, Jeremy," she sighed. "I wish things had played out differently."

Jeremy's eyes met hers. There was a sadness and something else he could not understand. Somehow, that comment sounded too personal. He had no response for her.

***

Jeremy's last working day. Friday, 18th April, 10:30 AM

Jeremy's fingers hovered over the exit formalities checklist in his hand.

Retaining his job? The thought echoed in his mind like a bitter aftertaste. He could practically hear Rick's condescending tone. "The likes of you don't belong here."

Jeremy imagined Rick's smug grin; his eyes would narrow. A subtle tilt of his head that conveyed utter disdain. A shiver ran down his spine. No, begging was not an option. Not truly. Not if it meant sacrificing the last shred of dignity he had left.

He glanced at his bank balance, a pitifully small number staring back. Reality bit hard. He was underpaid, yes, but it was a lifeline. Given his lack of a degree, he did not have any better alternatives.

The checklist mocked him further: "IT asset return, HR exit interview, handover meeting with Angela Chapman (2 hours), final meeting with Rick Thompson (15 minutes)."

Angela. His heart clenched. Two hours. Two hours of forced smiles and strained farewells. Two hours of battling the emotions that had simmered beneath the surface for so long. He imagined her emerald eyes. A slight tremor in her voice as she spoke. It would be difficult to say goodbye.

"Hold your nerves, boy." His father's voice sounded in his mind.

"Easier said than done," Jeremy said, staring at the checklist. "I've got to play this smart."

He turned to his laptop and began the reset process. The whirring of the hard drive was a dull counterpoint to the turmoil in his head.

Angela. The name echoed in his mind. A painful reminder of what he was losing. He couldn't afford to think about that meeting yet. He had to focus on the immediate tasks.

Jeremy looked at the clock. 11:00 AM. The countdown had begun. He had to survive until the end of the day.

***

Friday, 18th April, 12:15 PM

Jeremy's fingers lingered on the Datamind laptop. It was a sleek, high-end model with a touchscreen and a metallic build. God knew how many hours he had spent writing code on this machine. He loved this beast and did not wish to part with it.

He reluctantly slid it across to the IT team's desk. The support guy handed him a signed receipt without a word.

He then walked into the cafeteria. Datamind served free food to the employees. It was part of the package. It was one of the benefits that always brightened his busy days. He knew he was sorely going to miss such simple joys in life.

The usual boisterous chatter quieted down as soon as he entered. His team was having lunch, and they called him over.

"Jeremy, man, we are going to miss you," Sarah started. Her voice was unusually subdued.

Everyone nodded in agreement with her.

"Yeah, it won't be the same without you," Mark added. His tone was gruff but sincere. "Who's gonna keep us from crashing the servers with our brilliant code?"

"Who is going to fix all our screw-ups now?" Sam joked, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Seriously though, you were the glue holding us together."

Jeremy managed a weak smile. "Thanks, guys. I will miss you too." He paused. "So, is anyone stepping up to fill my shoes?"

A collective shake of heads. "Nah," Sarah said. "Nobody wanted the 'acting' gig. We told Angela we would wait."

"Wait for what?" Jeremy asked, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest.

"For you to come back, obviously," Lily said, her eyes pleading. "We are hoping you will realize how much you belong here."

Jeremy felt a flicker of hope in that conversation. No replacement. That was a good sign.

"We wanted to host a farewell for you," Lily pouted. "We were gonna have a cake and everything."

"It was Angela's idea, but Rick explicitly denied the permission," Sarah added to clarify, her voice tight with suppressed anger. "Said it would 'disrupt productivity'."

"Typical," Mark muttered, shaking his head. "That guy's got a stick so far up his... well, you get the idea."

"Thank you, guys. It's the feeling that matters." He acknowledged their sincerity. "It means a lot."

"Don't be a stranger, alright?" Venus said, her voice unusually loud and clear. "You better call us."

"Yeah, we're not letting you disappear," Sam added, tapping Jeremy's shoulder. "We'll be bugging you."

He enjoyed his last lunch in the office with his team. They wished him luck as he bid them farewell.

***

Friday, 18th April, 01:10 PM

As he was leaving, Venus followed him. She was the silent one in the team. Jeremy had helped her many times, but they had barely exchanged any words.

He stopped around the corner and allowed her to catch up with him.

"Hey, Venus. Something I can help you with?" He asked.

She shook her head and gave him a friendly hug.

Jeremy was surprised by her actions. He thought of closing his arms around her but stopped at the last moment. Venus soon stepped away from him.

"I received a survey link for the management." She said abruptly.

"Ok? That must be the usual gig. They collect periodic feedback from randomly chosen employees." He clarified.

She shook her head again and continued. "No, this one was specific for the director. I have marked it all red."

Jeremy sucked in the cold breath. This was unusual, but it sent his senses tingling.

"Thank you for sharing your honest feedback, Venus. Are you sure it was anonymous?" He asked cautiously.

Venus rolled her eyes. "No, it was not, and I think it was sent to everyone in the team."

"Wow... that was quite the risk you took, Venus. I am not sure if it would backfire on you, but I admire your courage." He confessed honestly.

"Retaliation? Angela won't allow that." She countered.

"True. She is very protective of everyone. I am sure she will take care of it." He agreed.

"We want you to stay, Jeremy," she said. "You made this team work. You made me work."

Jeremy was surprised by the raw emotion in her voice. "Venus..."

"They're making a mistake," she continued. "A big one. And they'll regret it."

She turned abruptly and walked away, leaving Jeremy standing there with conflicting emotions swirling within him. The feeling of being wanted and the anger Venus displayed gave him pause.

Jeremy could feel the subtle tension in the air. Someone from the higher-ups was snooping in on Rick. He would have loved the news a few days ago. Unfortunately, he was out of time.

***

Friday, 18th April, 01:30 PM

The afternoon dragged on, each minute a step closer to his final meeting. He reached the HR office for the next formality. It was a modern workspace with sleek design and loads of cabinets with neatly arranged files.

He knocked on the door of the HR head, Maya Roy's office. She asked him to come in. As he entered, the smell of expensive perfume soothed him. Maya greeted him with a smile. It was too wide and too knowing for his comfort.

Maya was a study in contrast. Her sharp, tailored suits spoke of professional precision, while her playful smile and lingering gaze hinted at a more mischievous nature. Her dark, glossy hair was always perfectly styled. Her deep, intelligent brown eyes held a spark of hidden amusement. She was smart, efficient, and had a reputation for getting things done. A subtle, almost imperceptible nudge in the right direction was her specialty. She was also known to flirt. A quirk that often left people unsure of her true intentions.

"Jeremy, darling. What can I do for you?" She purred. Her eyes lingered on his face.

He ignored the flirtation and passed his ID card to her. "Just completing the formalities for the last day."

"Oh, we are going to miss you. Keep in touch. You know how to reach me," she said in her silky voice. She did not look bothered, though.

Her phone started ringing, and she moved away from her desk. Jeremy's gaze fell on his personnel file on her desk. A sudden impulse made him reach for it. He flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning the documents.

He was looking at the summary of his journey with Datamind. He suddenly stopped when he came across one page. A salary review submitted by Angela. The document proposed to double his pay, dated almost a year back. He wondered why it never took effect. Then he noticed the bottom of the page. It was pending approval by Rick Thompson.

Maya returned, and he placed the file back on her desk.

"Just wondering if you have finalized a replacement for my position," he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

"Oh, honey, not yet," she said, her smile returning, but with an edge that made Jeremy wary. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "It's been... difficult. People are asking questions. Uncomfortable questions."

"Anything I can help with?" He asked, his eyes narrowing, trying to decipher her cryptic words.

His subtle attempt to probe more information was not lost on Maya. She beamed at him. "Aren't you the charming one? Let me tell you this: someone wants to bring this house into order. Things are changing, Jeremy. As for you, all the best for future endeavors. You'll need it." She responded curtly.

Jeremy thanked her and said his goodbye. The weight of her words unsettled him.

He was a little more confident now, but also more confused. It wasn't just him in a bind. Rick Thompson was trapped too. He had never approved the raise. The fact had come to light when HR failed to fill the vacancy with the same package. Someone was asking difficult questions now.

Rick may have swayed Maya, but he won't be able to work around the strict hiring rules. If he trusted Maya's cryptic remark on getting the house in order, he could guess Rick was in trouble.

A grim smile spread across Jeremy's face. Now he had some leverage, or at least the possibility of it.

He thanked his father for his advice again. "Hold your nerve, Boy." The teaching had always worked for him when he found himself in a pinch.

***

Friday, 18th April, 01:30 PM

Rick leaned back in his plush office chair, the leather creaking softly. Another hour down. Good riddance to Seymour. The kid had talent, sure; couldn't deny that. But talent without the proper foundation? It was like a house built on sand, bound to crumble. He still couldn't believe the nerve of the guy. He had not expected Jeremy to show the backbone and resign. Most of these self-taught wonders folded under pressure.

Rick believed in a clear hierarchy. Administration sets the direction, and the workforce executes. Minimal interaction between managers and their reporting engineers was his preference. It was his way of fostering efficiency without unnecessary chatter. He had always pushed for managers to work from home or satellite offices. He believed managers should maximize the strategic focus without getting personal with their subordinates.

However, not everyone agreed with his philosophy. Angela Chapman was one such stubborn manager. She insisted on her presence in the main office. He thought it was a minor act of defiance, but he soon learned how hardheaded she could be.

Angela's team worked on the third floor, and she had an office space right beside the open workspace. He easily managed it by assigning her that less-than-ideal office space in the basement. A simple, practical hurdle should have been enough to create the distance from her team. However, Angela continued to spend most of her time on the third floor.

Angela was too opinionated and rarely agreed with his perspective. Their disagreements often lead to constant friction. If this was not enough, she was a staunch supporter of Seymour. She advocated Seymour's promotion. She even got HR involved without consulting him. This problem would not have blown out of proportion if she had followed his instructions.

Now, the whispers had started. HR was breathing down his neck about finding a replacement. Surprise, surprise, nobody was lining up for the same peanuts Seymour was on. That stung a bit. Maybe he had underestimated the market, or... maybe he underestimated Seymour's worth.

Damn it. He hated admitting it, even to himself. The kid had gotten under his skin. Challenged his whole belief system. He was outperforming candidates with years of academic rigor, only with his raw talent and hard work. It felt... wrong. Like a glitch in the matrix of corporate order, he so firmly believed in.

Lately, he was missing the quiet hum of academia. The thought of dusty old libraries had been more appealing than quarterly reports and endless meetings. Had he made a mistake by joining the corporate? Trading intellectual pursuit for this... this game of power and credentials?

But first things first. He had to shut down this Seymour situation before it blew up in his face. Angela, bless her stubborn heart, was probably down in that damp basement office, having some teary farewell with the guy. Two hours? Ridiculous. Managers should be strategizing, not coddling departing staff. That woman was a constant thorn in his side.

Just as he was mentally rehearsing his opening lines with Seymour, his phone buzzed. The caller ID flashed 'Head Office - Mr. Davies'. Davies? That couldn't be good. He reluctantly answered. "Thompson speaking."

"Rick," Davies' voice was sharp, devoid of its usual pleasantries. "I've just been looking over some... rather concerning feedback that's come through. It seems some questions are being raised about morale and management styles within your division. Specifically, regarding the perceived hierarchy and limitations on manager-employee interaction." There was a distinct pause. "I think we need to have a word, Rick. Sooner rather than later."

A cold dread washed over Rick. This was not about Seymour anymore. This was about him.

***

Friday, 18th April, 01:45 PM

Angela was a bundle of nervous energy as she waited for Jeremy in her office. She had scheduled two hours for their farewell meeting. She had no agenda for this meeting, though. At least nothing professional.

She looked around her basement office. It was quite luxurious, but not the one she desired. She would've much rather been on the third floor, where her team could joke around and enjoy some good vibes. But Rick believed in keeping a distance between himself and the team, and there was no changing his mind.

She loved a small desk area she used while working from the third floor. She could recall Jeremy leaning towards her, passionately explaining some design issues. The smell of his aftershave when they engaged in long discussions. His thoughts brought warmth to her speeding heart.

She remembered one late night when the glow from the screens illuminated their tired faces; she could still hear Jeremy's quiet exclamation of "Yes!" after he finally cracked the stubborn piece of code. Their eyes had locked for a fleeting moment that felt like more than just work. A blush sneaked onto her cheeks at the memory.

On another occasion, the stress leading up to a release had melted away when Jeremy cracked a joke about a bug being a feature, which had everyone laughing. He had this way of lightening the mood and making connections with people. His quick humor always made her smile, and his dedication was inspiring.

But there was something else to him. Something special that made her heart throb when he was near. He may be much younger than her, but he was mature beyond his years. She had rarely felt such a connection with anyone before. She felt truly understood and appreciated in his company.

Jeremy. The name played softly in her mind. The name that used to make her smile was now the reason for her inner turmoil. She replayed all the moments they'd shared. His initial eagerness and dedication. The way his eyes lit up whenever she praised his work. The warmth in his gaze when he looked at her. The way he lingered around to be noticed by her.

She had kept things professional. However, her feelings continued to grow quietly over time. His respect was like a cushion against her own solitude, and his jokes always added a bit of fun to her day.

There was that one-on-one meeting where his intense focus had ignited feelings within her that she had been trying hard to ignore. His vulnerable look said so much more than words could express.

The chemistry between them? The tension? It wasn't just in her imagination. She felt it too. The brief connections that lingered just beyond the surface, the smiles shared, and those loaded silences. But she'd always kept boundaries—she was the manager, and he was her subordinate. That line was never crossed... not until now.

His resignation was like a punch in the gut for her. It broke down the wall she had built around her emotions. He wasn't going to be there anymore. His insightful questions, shy smiles, and bursts of laughter would be gone.

There was a question in his eyes when he handed in his resignation. Her words to him, "I hate to lose you. I wish things had gone differently," felt heavy with what she hadn't said out loud. It was all so personal.

Regret washed over Angela as she sat there. Was her insistence on keeping it professional hiding the fact that she enjoyed having him around? Did fear of what could happen make her blind to the joy his presence brought? Saying goodbye wasn't just about losing a talented employee; it felt more personal than that. It was about losing him. The warmth he brought into her life. The feelings she hadn't let herself recognize until now.

The truth hit her like a brick: she didn't just admire his talent; she actually cared for him. The bond they had quietly formed had grown into something deeper, only becoming clear now that he was leaving.

It felt unbearable to think that he was leaving because of a silly rule, a biased man, and her own walls.

She realized she couldn't let him go just like that. A newfound determination started building inside her. She had to let him know what she really felt. The thought of keeping those feelings bottled up was unbearable. She had to try, even if it was too late.

Angela's heart raced at the thought. She tried to smooth out her skirt, but that didn't do much to help her shaky hands. The air was thick with unspoken words that felt almost tangible.

The clock struck at 2:00 PM. It was time. This basement, which Rick had chosen to symbolize separation, was about to become the place where she would confront her own feelings.

***

Chapter 2: Deals and Negotiations

Friday, 18th April, 02:00 PM

The meeting with Angela was scheduled for 2 PM. Surprisingly, she had called him to meet her in her office. This was first because Angela never held meetings in her office.

Jeremy walked into the basement area. As expected, there was no one around. He took a deep breath to calm down. The sense of privacy and the constant hum of the cooling system only increased his anxiety. This was the time to say goodbye to Angela. Now that he was about to lose this connection, he felt a deep sense of regret.

"Hold your nerves," he reminded himself and knocked on the meeting room door.

"Come in, Jeremy." Angela's smooth voice resonated through the area.

He entered the dimly lit room. Angela was sitting at the far end of the room, behind her work desk.

Jeremy had never been here. He assumed it to be a secluded corner with a work desk alone. However, he was in for a surprise. This office was way more spacious and elegant than he expected.

The space was free from any mess. There was a big mahogany worktable. Some elegant ergonomic chairs surrounding it. No windows, but top-notch ventilation. Some beautiful lush green indoor plants provided a new feel. A big storage compartment behind the work desk. A gigantic flat-screen monitor on one side wall, an audio unit, and a microphone rounded out the high-tech video conference equipment.

The area expanded to a reading room for leisure on the left. It included a huge and plush leather couch. A miniature bookcase housed several novels of fiction that Angela enjoyed. Angela had decorated this space with mementos of her travel expeditions. He could observe her hiking up a mountain, parachuting out of a tiny airplane, and camel trekking through the desert. They reflected her sense of adventure and reminded Jeremy that she was still single.

The moment he shut the door, the whir of the cooling system cut off. Jeremy was at once aware of being alone with Angela. He grinned and sat down across from her desk.

"So," she started. "This is it, then. I wish things had not ended like this."

"Me too," Jeremy nodded, holding her gaze. "I wish we had separated on better terms or perhaps never."

Angela's ears pricked up at the tone he used. Their gazes crossed in that moment. There was a spark of a moment between them. They both felt the tension of the unspoken.

Angela forced a weak smile. "Jeremy," she started. "Trust me, I did try. Sadly, these things take time."

Jeremy spotted a glimmer of hope in her statement. "Do you believe Rick will make a counteroffer to keep me?" He inquired tentatively.

Angela's smile evaporated. "Rick is stubborn, Jeremy. You are well aware of it. He has his principles, no matter how faulty they might be."

"So that's all there is to it? No hope?" He pressed.

She smiled broadly at him. "Not unless someone reports his actions to the brass. Someone who can succinctly record the sheer ridiculousness of his choices."

Jeremy stared at her, surprised. "Have you...?"

Angela cut him off, "Rick thought he owned this office. Someone had to provide a clear picture to higher-ups. Let's leave it at that."

Jeremy nodded in comprehension. The specifics were no longer important to him. "Thank you for everything, Angela." He spoke with gravity.

"We're going to miss you," she said. "Your team, everyone. You were... invaluable."

He forced a small smile. "That means a lot to me. I will also miss everyone here."

They had much to say to each other. This was the last chance they had to tell each other their true feelings.

"I will have one regret, though." He sighed.

"Oh, and what's that?" Angela probed.

Jeremy mustered up his courage and gazed at her. "I should have asked you out when I still had the opportunity."

His statement lingered in the tense silence.

Angela stared him straight in the eye. A slow smile danced on her lips.

"And what's stopping you now?" She queried softly.

He did not believe his ears. He blushed but did not turn away from her eyes.

Jeremy approached her and leaned in closer. His lips touched hers.

They nibbled on each other's lips. They experimented with the sensation of their lips delicately. And then their lips parted a bit, and they pressed harder on each other. The kiss gradually deepened after a while. The world outside them disappeared. They began to make out.

They finally broke apart for air, their breathing harsh.

A self-deprecating smile slipped from his lips. "I always figured you were out of my league." He laughed.

"That's probably true...," she teased back.

"Hey..." he asked in amazement.

"Your words, not mine. You do yourself an injustice, my boy." She told him in an authoritative tone.

He looked at her in wonder. "You know, I felt a strong connection to you right from the first meeting. But then you were my superior, and I was just a rookie." He paused to gather his thoughts.

"You know my family situation. As I first thought, I was feeling a maternal attraction to you." He said.

"Are you calling me old?" She interrupted him.

"What? No... It's not..." he tried to defend himself until he saw her smiling at him.

"I am kidding, Jeremy. I know what you mean. Do you think the Age factor has not bothered me? I have never considered serious relationships or marriage, and then you walk in..." She sighed.

Jeremy saw her vulnerability in that moment. She had also struggled just like him. Even more so given her age and her senior position.

"Angela, I..." He tried to continue but she pressed a finger against his lips.

"Now now, don't try to define a relationship we are both not clear about. We are consenting adults. Let's just live in the moment, Jeremy. We will figure out things as we go on," she whispered.

"You mean..." he stopped. He could not find the right words to express his yearning.

Angela chuckled. She kissed the corner of his lips and traced the line of kisses to his ears. "Yes, my boy. That's exactly what I mean." She purred.

Jeremy's throat dried and his pulse quickened. 'Was it really going to happen?' He wondered.

She knelt on the ground and grasped his belt. Her fingers moved fast, and his jeans fell down between his legs. Her fingers touched his cock through his underwear.

Jeremy started breathing hard. "How many times have I fantasized this moment in my mind?" he admitted.

"You should have asked...," she teased him. Her fingers got into his underwear, and she pulled it down.

His thick cock jiggled in front of her. It was pointed upwards with an indignant red cockhead looking at her. She circled both hands around his cock and tugged along his length.

A shiver coursed down his spine at her touch. His cock began to harden full length.

She licked her lips at the sight of it. "Mmm, I could tell you were big, but this is just perfect." Angela purred.

She leaned forward and traced her tongue along his length. She began at the base to the tip before sucking him into her warm, wet mouth.

Jeremy groaned softly as she started sucking him. Her head moved up and down. She took him deeper with every stroke. Before long, he was hitting the back of her throat.

It felt amazing. Her lips were soft but firm wrapped around his cock. Her tongue swirled expertly around the sensitive head.

Angela could feel Jeremy's cock pounding against her tongue as she worked on him skillfully. She knew he wouldn't be able to last for much longer.

She widened her mouth and slapped his cock on her tongue. "Did you ever think about me doing this?" she asked.

He barely managed to shake his head. "Oh, God. That feels incredible." He panted.

"Let me take the edge off," she hissed. Her mouth engulfed his cock. She hollowed her cheeks and sucked him deep.

Jeremy's cock slid into her mouth. His fingers knotted in her hair as he held her head firmly.

She gazed up at him and pushed forward. She swallowed him whole in her throat as her nose hit his pelvic bone.

"Oh fuck...," he growled. "I can't hold on anymore. I am going to cum." He cautioned her.

Angela did not let up. She began to move her head to suck him harder. Her throat muscles contracted around his length to squeeze him tightly.

Jeremy saw stars. He held her head and began jerking his hips. He was on the verge of losing his control.

Angela whimpered. Her hands clenched on his ass cheeks as she began bobbing her head quicker. She was determined to make him cum hard.

"Here it comes..." he yelled and began firing ropes and ropes of his thick cum in her mouth. She kept sucking his cock and swallowed it all like a pro.

Jeremy released her head and grabbed her desk to hold onto.

Angela just sucked him slowly. When he was spent, she let his cock out of her mouth with a wet 'pop'. As she had hoped, he was still hard as rock.

Angela stood elegantly. "Was it better than you had hoped?" She inquired.

"I could not have asked for anything more," he admitted.

Angela smiled. "Oh, you don't need to ask, my dear. You are gonna get it better. Much better." She added as she began to take off her clothes.

Jeremy's jaw fell as he watched Angela stripping off. She stood in lacy red lingerie.

"What are you waiting for? Strip." She ordered.

Jeremy's hands acted on their own. He began with his tie and then his shirt. Before long, he was standing before her naked.

Angela grabbed her purse and pulled out some condoms. "These are Magnum XL; I bought them especially for you." She spoke softly.

She tore one open and returned to Jeremy. "Let me fix this for you," she said slowly.

Angela rolled the condom over his erect length. She pulled him by his cock toward the couch.

She pushed him down and got him to sit on the edge of the cushion. She then settled over his lap.

"Is this real?" Jeremy murmured.

"This is not a dream, my love. We've already wasted too much time waiting for this moment. Now, I want you to rock my world." She whispered.

Angela was too worked up to play around with more teasing. She drew her panties aside and slowly slid down over his stiff cock.

"Oh god," they both grunted at the feel of his cock thrusting open her juice-saturated pussy lips.

She slowly slid down, rocking her hips to take in his enormity in her tight love tube.

"God, you're so tight." He moaned as her silky pussy walls closed around his length.

"Umm... It's been way too long..." She moaned.

They looked at each other with burning intensity. She wrapped her hands around his head and kissed him hard.

His hands moved to her breasts. He pulled the bra cups down to uncover those smooth globes of flesh.

Angela continued wiggling her hips until he was fully sheathed deep inside her hot pussy. That was all she needed to cum hard. She started gushing on his cock without even moving.

Jeremy continued kissing her as her body convulsed in his lap. Her whimpered were dampened by his probing tongue as she withered while fully mounted on his cock.

They both groaned with pleasure as Angela began to move again. She moved slowly at first until her pussy could get used to his size. Then she rode up and down his manhood in a steady rhythm. She began grinding each time his cock hit the bottom of her pussy.

He held onto her full breasts as she bounced on his cock. He teased her hard nipples until she gasped with pleasure.

Angela hurried the rhythm of her riding. Her breathing became more rapid now as she came to her second orgasm. She could feel Jeremy's cock throb inside her.

"Oh god, I am so close," she cried.

Jeremy let go of her breasts and grabbed hold of her hips. He assisted her in bouncing over his cock harder.

"Cumming..." she cried as her nails dug deeper into his shoulders.

He continued to pistoned his cock harder and faster in her pussy nonstop. Her orgasm continued as a tidal wave to overwhelm her senses.

"Too much," she cried out as she ground her hips and wrapped her legs about him. Her pussy muscles locked his cock in a vice-like grip.

Jeremy could not help it any longer and started pumping his cum into the condom. They remained still as they rode the waves of orgasm together.

"What the hell did you do to me? I have never come so hard in my life." She spoke softly to him.

"Same for me, Angela. I have never felt so much pleasure," he replied as he was still gasping for breath.

They were locked in each other's eyes when the clock rang, signaling 4 PM.

Angela reluctantly slid off his lap. "You have a meeting with Rick." She reminded him.

"I wonder if I can still retain my job," he said to her with a cunning smile.

She looked at him warily. She did not want him to compromise with Rick on the cost of his pride.

"I won't compromise, Angela. But I wonder if I can negotiate with him."

"You bastard, you scared me there for a moment." She slapped his arm playfully.

Jeremy started thinking about how he could negotiate with Rick.

Angela smiled and gently cupped his face. "Don't think too much. Whatever happens during your meeting with Rick, we will figure it out. Now go take a shower; you don't have long."

He nodded and got up from the couch.

***

Friday, 18th April, 04:45 PM

The clock ticked relentlessly. Each second increased the tension in the small meeting room. Jeremy sat opposite Rick Thompson. The man who had systematically blocked his career. He could see the naked hostility and anger in Rick's eyes.

For formality's sake, Jeremy needed Rick's signature on the exit form. He expected Rick to simply sign and send him on his way. However, Rick had asked him to take a seat. He had not signed the exit form yet. Rather, he had indulged Jeremy in silent staring contests.

Jeremy found it funny. He had never seen Rick lose his cool like that. Rick was a chubby man on the shorter side. He carried himself with elegance and a snotty attitude. He rarely raised his voice or showed any emotion other than constant disdain. However, right now Rick was waiting.

This staring contest turned out to be a test of will. Who would buckle first? Rick was waiting for him to beg and surrender. Jeremy might have done that in the morning, but by now he knew better. As more time passed, he was sure Rick did not have full control of this situation.

Angela had mentioned that she might have reported Rick's actions. Venus had told him about the feedback survey on Rick. Which confirmed that someone had taken notice of Angela's report. Maya had given him a cryptic lead that someone wanted to clean the house. He could interpret it as higher-ups wanting Rick to get his act straight.

Rick had not found his replacement yet. Angela and the team would not cooperate with him. He wanted Rick to stay. Rick also loved his job. He had no other options. Now he also had Angela's offer to consider. He wanted to stay as well. They both wanted the same thing.

However, both of them had something to lose. Jeremy would lose his pride, dignity, and any hope of future growth if he surrendered. What did Rick have to lose? A slap on the wrist? Acknowledgment of oversight? Would he even feel the impact? 'Damn this kid,' Rick thought, 'he's got more spine than I gave him credit for. This isn't about rules anymore. It's about... control. And I'm losing it.'

Jeremy felt sweat running down his back. He wanted to scream at the man. But a gruff voice echoed in his mind, clear as day: "Hold your nerve, boy."

His father's voice helped him steel his nerves. His jaw clenched as he maintained eye contact with Rick.

Finally, Rick was the first one to act. His lips curled into a thin smile. He signed the exit form but did not give it back to Jeremy.

"You can leave, Seymour." He said dismissively.

Jeremy felt his heart drop. The pit in his stomach felt like a vacuum. He had lost the gamble. He got up on the Steady Fit and started walking towards the door. His father's voice continued to echo in his head, "Hold your nerves, boy." It gave him the strength to walk out with his dignity intact.

"Seymour." Rick's sharp voice called for him.

Jeremy stopped and turned back. His face had a mask of indifference. "Yes, Mr. Thompson?"

"Stay." Rick's eyes flickered. There was an edge of desperation in his voice. "Let's talk."

"Why?" Jeremy took the seat and asked slowly.

"I... I've reconsidered." Rick said hesitantly. "I will approve your promotion."

"Success," Jeremy wanted to shout and jump at the offer, but he did not. This was an opening for negotiation, not the final deal.

"Not interested," he said calmly.

Rick's face flushed. "I will also double your salary."

Jeremy remained unmoved. He saw fear in Rick's voice. Maybe he had much more to lose. He simply shook his head at Rick's offer.

"What is it you want, Seymour?" Rick's voice was strained.

Jeremy leaned forward. "My salary increase was due last year. I don't know how you will do it, but I want a backdated increment. Plus, I want an additional increment with the promotion. Effective immediately."

Rick seemed to consider his ask. It was within his limits. "Fine."

Jeremy realized there was scope for more. "And one more thing. I want an exception from the college education rule."

Rick stopped. He shook his head slowly. Now, he had a genuine smile on his lips.

"That's not how it works, Seymour." He said slowly. 'He's got me cornered,' Rick admitted to himself. 'But maybe... maybe I can salvage this. Maybe I can turn this into something... productive.'

Rick relaxed in his chair. He removed his glasses and started to clean them.

"You are an exception, Jeremy." He started slowly.

Jeremy was taken aback. Rick had never been so casual with him before.

"You might have skills but have no future. Do whatever it takes to complete the formal education. I will even give you company sponsorship for a distance education course. The criteria will be strict; you will have a hard time coping but do it anyhow. That's the only way you can have a bright future and clear path." Rick explained slowly.

Jeremy nodded. It had taken only two sentences from Rick to change his worldview. He felt a sense of gratitude towards the man.

"Thank you so much, sir. I will do it." He said with genuine respect.

Rick nodded at him and tore the exit formalities form. 'I was wrong about him,' Rick thought, a flicker of something like regret in his eyes. 'He's not a fluke. He's... he's got potential. I almost ruined it. Almost ruined him.'

"Sir, if you don't mind me asking. Will you be in trouble?" Jeremy asked hesitantly.

Rick clenched his jaw. "Get out, Seymour." He shouted.

Jeremy got up from his seat and walked out of the meeting room slowly. As soon as he was out, he ran toward the empty stairway. When he was alone, he allowed his nerves to calm down. Then he started jumping in joy at his victory.

His father's voice had guided him through another challenge in his life. He had won, but most importantly, he had learned.

Jeremy took a moment to calm down. He understood the problem. His view was limited; he had not considered his career path fully. Rick's few words had given him the insight on what he needed.

This was not about one promotion. This was about shaping his career. He had gotten another lucky chance, and he vowed to use it to the fullest.

***

Chapter 3: Aftermath and Progress

Two weeks later, Angela's office in the Basement

Angela lay naked on her mahogany work desk. Jeremy was on top of her in the missionary position.

His cock was poised at her wet pussy lips. "I don't have any condoms," he hissed.

She wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him down. His cock pressed against her pussy lips to stretch them open.

"Oh, fuck, you are always so tight," he grunted.

"Only for you, my love." She whimpered.

"Are we exclusive then?" He asked with hesitation.

She pulled him down harder, and his cock bottomed out in her pussy in one stroke. "Oh, you make me so full," she hissed.

He gripped her hair and pulled back his cock till only the head remained inside. Then he rammed it back inside her with one powerful stroke.

"Aah... Slow down," she whimpered.

He rammed his cock inside her again. "Answer me," he asked with more authority. "Are we exclusive?"

She laughed and kissed him. "You have been fucking me daily. Now you are balls deep in my pussy, bareback. You still need to ask, you dummy?" She nibbled on his lips and answered playfully.

He rammed his cock hard again. He also started gyrating his hips on every downward stroke. He knew that drove her crazy.

Angela felt his cock searing inside her love tunnel again. He was hitting all her sensitive spots. A new wave of ecstasy started to form in her core.

"Answer me. Are you mine?" He asked again. His voice had gained a possessive edge.

She looked him in the eye and shook her head slowly. There was a playful glint in her eyes. She wanted to drive him crazy with her denial.

He gripped her hair hard and started ramming her pussy nonstop. Like a man possessed, he hammered her pussy into submission.

Angela felt her brain melting into mushy paste. Her pussy cried out tears of joy as an orgasm tore through her. "Oh god... You are making me cum..." she cried out.

Jeremy continued his relentless attack through her orgasm. He nuzzled her neck and nibbled her ear. "I am not stopping till you answer me, Angela. Tell me. Are you mine?" He asked again.

Her orgasms started in a continuous series of crashing waves. Her pussy was continuously gushing out love juices around his cock. The squishing sound continued in the room. Her muscles spasmed involuntarily as he drove her to the limits.

"Fuck me, you bastard. Mark my pussy with your cum. Make me yours." She shouted at the top of her lungs.

That's all Jeremy wanted to hear. His taut muscles relaxed as he rammed inside her one last time and held his cock there. Spurt after spurt of hot cum spilled in the depths of her pussy, coating her internals with his essence.

"Thank you, Angela." He whispered while catching his breath.

Angela held him locked on top of her. She felt at ease with his full weight on top of her. As soon as she caught her breath, she started kissing him all over his face.

"Where have you been all my life, you dummy? Now that I have found you, I am not letting you go, you hear me?" She said joyfully. Her eyes were wet due to overwhelming emotions and the unparalleled ecstasy she had experienced.

"Same here, Angela. You are mine, and I am not letting you go." He promised and held her possessively in his arms.

They stayed like that for a while before freshening up and getting dressed.

"I got the revised salary packed and backdated arrears, but Rick has still not confirmed my promotion." He said while they relaxed on the couch.

"Have some patience, Jeremy. These things take some time. He has not signed your promotion letter yet. I knew there would be some big changes soon, but we have to wait for an official word." She told him.

"Do you think he will go back on his promise?" He asked, worried.

She shook her head. "Rick may have many flaws, but he won't do that. I don't know what he has in mind, but it will be good for you." She assured him.

By now, he had learned his father's lesson well. "Hold your nerve, boy." He reminded himself.

His big struggle was over. Now he just had to wait for the prize. Oh wait, Angela was his biggest prize, and she was sitting right beside him. He had no reason to complain.

***

One Month Later—Rick's Office

The cardboard boxes, stacked a little wobbly, filled what used to be Rick's big office. A month had gone by, and things at Dataminds were starting to feel... different. Maya was helping Rick pack up, which was kind of surprising, since they hadn't always seen eye-to-eye. He was retiring, going back to teaching, which had shocked everyone. Whispers had spread through the office about sudden 'restructuring' and 'new directions'. The air felt thick with uncertainty.

"Are you sure you want all these books, Rick?" Maya asked, lifting a really heavy one. "They're going to be a pain to move."

Rick chuckled, a sound you didn't hear much around there. "They're my life's work, Maya. And I want people to know it. I'm too old for sneaking out and pity parties." 'Though, maybe a little pity wouldn't hurt,' he thought wryly, 'especially after they practically nudged me out.'

He looked around the empty office. "I know I messed up some things. But I think I got some good systems in place here."

"Yeah," Maya said softly. "Your rules were... tough, but they did make things run smoother. We were a bit of a mess before." 'And now,' she thought, 'we'll see if we can keep that efficiency without the... rigidity.'

Rick sighed. "Rules are one thing, Maya. People are what really matter. Wish I'd figured that out sooner." 'Especially that kid, Jeremy. He had more potential than I ever wanted to admit. And I almost crushed it.'

"Think about Jeremy," Maya said, a little smile in her voice. "He didn't get the team lead spot, but Angela's director now, and he's taken over her old job. Both those promotions? Your call."

Rick nodded, looking a little pleased. "He earned it. Angela's got the big picture this place needs. And Jeremy... I helped him get into a distance learning program and wrote him a recommendation."

"That was... decent of you, Rick," Maya said, genuinely. "He's really stepped up. You gave him a real shot." 'Or, at least, you tried to fix the mess you made,' she thought, but kept the thought to herself.

Rick looked at her, a bit of regret in his eyes. "I saw he had something, Maya. I just had to get over my own... bias. He kind of helped me do that." 'He forced me to see things differently. Maybe that's his real talent. 'Unearthing flaws'.

He paused. A thoughtful look crossed his face. "You know, Maya," he said. "I have been wondering. Why didn't you stop me? When I was... well, being difficult?"

Maya's gaze met his, steady and calm. "It wasn't my place, Rick. But I did add my remarks to your policies, you know. Subtle things. Emphasizing the need for flexibility, for understanding the human element." 'And hoping someone with more influence than me would notice.'

Rick raised an eyebrow. "I would have appreciated direct feedback."

Maya smiled wryly. "Would you have listened?"

Rick paused, then gave a rueful chuckle. "No, probably not."

He looked at Maya to read her expression. "You knew how this would end, right?" He wasn't upset, only curious.

Maya gave him a bright smile. "Perhaps. This was one of the possible scenarios, Rick."

There was a genuine smile on his face. "You're too good, Maya. Too subtle." 'Too smart. I should have listened to her more. They all were. I was too arrogant to see it.'

They finished packing. He spent a few minutes looking at the completely bare office space. "Time to go," he said as if he were shedding a weight.

Maya shook his hands in goodbye. "Thanks, Rick. For everything. Even the... not-so-fun parts."

He gave her a tired but real smile. "Thanks, Maya. For understanding."

Jeremy was waiting for them near the lift. He had a genuine smile on his face.

"Mr. Thompson," he called. His voice was calm and respectful. "Thank you. For everything. For the chance, and for... well, for the push."

'It's over,' Jeremy thought to himself. 'It's finally over.'

Rick looked at him, surprised. 'He's making this easy. He's a good kid, and he learns fast'. He offered a small nod. "You've got potential, Seymour. Don't waste it."

The employees, standing near the entrance, watched him go. No cheers, no insults. Just quiet respect. Like they were saying, "He changed things here. For better or worse." Some employees looked relieved, some looked wary, and some just looked tired. The office felt like a pressure cooker that had finally cooled down.

***

A week later, in the HR office...

Jeremy was called into Maya's office on that Monday morning. Maya smiled warmly at him. Her expensive perfume was comforting and pleasant.

"Jeremy, darling," she called out smoothly. There was a sparkle in her eye. "We've got some good news for you."

He lifted an eyebrow. Being around Maya always made him a little on edge. And yet, there was a mild shift in mood. In some manner, she was warmer. That both eased him and rattled him at the same moment. There was a creeping undercurrent of unease. "Good news about what?"

"Your promotion!" she announced to him, pointing to a pile of papers on her desk. "Congratulations! You're the new team manager, effective at once. Rick recommended you before he resigned. Angela strongly defended you."

At first, Jeremy felt an excitement, but it turned quickly to doubt. He picked up the papers to take a look. "Manager? But I'm still working on the technical side. So, you are asking me to do two things now?"

Maya burst out laughing in a light, musical way. "Oh, Jeremy, you're just so sweetly clueless. In the corporate world, nothing is free, you know? You're smart and ambitious, and that's why you're being given more responsibilities." She said playfully.

Jeremy noticed her being more honest with him now. He rubbed his temples and let out a sigh. "I have just begun studying too. How can I possibly balance all this?"

"Ah, your education," Maya smiled. "Datamind's investing in your future, Jeremy. We expect to see a return on that investment. Your grades will be closely monitored. Quarterly tests, report cards, the whole nine yards." She smiled once more, her finger on his arm. "Don't let us down."

Jeremy felt a sense of familiarity. Maya was flirtatious, but he could not help but admit her power. He knew that she had been instrumental in these developments. He recalled the enigmatic words she had said to him on his last day. Rick's change of heart and his subsequent promotion could not have occurred without her direct intervention.

"Did you orchestrate this, Maya?" he asked.

Her smile softened. There was genuine warmth in her eyes. "Let's just say I believe there's worth in seeing and cultivating potential when I encounter it." She stopped speaking. Her eyes were on him. "You have potential, Jeremy. Potential you don't even realize yourself."

She stood up from her desk and walked across the space between them. "Angela's not the only one with secrets around here." She put her hand on his arm. There was a warm, nearly kindly look in her eyes. "I've liked seeing your progress, and I want to see you do well. Don't let anyone take advantage of you."

Jeremy was surprised at the change in attitude. He thought Maya was a smart businesswoman. Now he could see weakness in her eyes, which he had not previously seen. He nodded slowly.

"Thanks a lot, Maya," he said sincerely.

She smiled up at him, a small one. "Don't thank me yet, darling. The best is yet to come." She walked back behind her desk and pulled out a file. "Now, as for your team's budget."

Jeremy shook his head and chuckled a little. He knew that corporate life was never easy.

Bless his luck. He also knew that he had friends. Even in the most unexpected places.

***

Cafeteria—Lunch Hour

The lunchtime scene at the Dataminds cafeteria was as lively as always but today felt a bit different. You could sense something brewing. At their usual table sat Sarah, Mark, Lily, and Venus, deep in conversation. Jeremy was noticeably missing. He had been a lot busier since his promotion. This gave them an opportunity for juicy gossip and genuine curiosity.

"I mean, does anyone else find it strange that Rick just up and left?" Sarah kicked things off. She seemed more interested in the discussion than in her diet salad. "One minute, he's nitpicking every little thing we do. The next thing he is doing is packing his Tolkien collection."

Mark leaned closer. He had a mischievous grin on his face. "I have got a theory! He finally figured out that Maya's been stringing him along in her own little game."

Lily nearly spat out her water. "Maya? You can't be serious!"

"Seriously!" Mark insisted. He was in the mood to spill his conspiracy theory. His hands waving with his words. "Just watch them together. She's got 'manipulator' written all over her! I bet she's been cooking up a plan to get Angela promoted."

Usually quiet, Venus jumped in unexpectedly. "Wow, Mark, that's pretty harsh. I think Maya just knows her stuff and does her job well. She's not out to get anyone. She just knows how to get ahead."

"Right, but you have to see how she treats Jeremy lately," Mark shot back. "She's all sunshine and encouragement. It feels like she's playing some long game."

Sarah frowned deeper. "I don't know... I've seen her with Jeremy too. It's almost like... she's looking out for him. Like a mentor, maybe?"

"Mentoring for what purpose?" Lily raised an eyebrow. She was curious but skeptical.

"Maybe to turn him into her little project. And let's be real, why did he get promoted so quickly?" Mark had everyone's attention now. The table went quiet for a moment as they all mulled over this point. Sure, they all knew Jeremy was good, but even they thought the speed of his rise was odd.

Venus interjected again, trying to steer the conversation back to a lighter note. Or maybe she just really believed in him. "You guys know he's capable, and Angela has always been fair with us."

They started to think about Maya and what kind of person she really was. Was she just a crafty manipulator, or was she genuinely trying to mentor Jeremy?

Changing gears, Lily brought up a different topic: "What about Angela? Did anyone notice how she was looking at Jeremy in the morning meeting"? A sly grin formed on her lips.

Mark rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on! They practically have sparks flying around them. It's just way too obvious!"

"Seriously, Mark? She was literally tearing him apart for covering our mistakes. If anything, it was like she was marking her authority." Sarah chuckled.

Venus added more soberly, "I don't know why you think it's some secret romance or power play, but I do think there's more to it. Angela seems to see something in Jeremy. It's more than just his skills."

Mark couldn't resist a cheeky comment. "Or she's just really into him," he winked.

"Mark!" Sarah scolded. Though she rolled her eyes at him. He was hopeless."Okay, okay. But come on! You can't deny they have some serious chemistry. It's risky too. Don't you think so?" Mark bounced back. He had a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

They continued dissecting Angela's situation. They could not agree on some secret romance. If anything, they agreed that Jeremy was in for heaps of trouble.

Angela's topic lost its luster soon. They returned to talking about Jeremy himself. "Wow, he's really blossomed lately, hasn't he?" Lily said. She looked a bit thoughtful.

"Remember when he first joined? He was so eager and a bit naive. Now? He is like a whole different person. He carries himself with so much confidence; it's almost impressive." Mark agreed.

"Yep. He is actually managing well," Venus chimed in. Everyone nodded at the truth in her words.

"True," Sarah agreed enthusiastically. "He is still the same Jeremy we know. But he's growing into his role. He is handling things way better than expected. You can tell he is working hard to improve himself."

They all swapped stories and laughed, reflecting on how Jeremy had transformed from a bright-eyed newbie into a leadership figure. Their camaraderie fueled them as they tasted the changes unfolding at Dataminds.

As the lunch hour came to an end, they began to disperse. Yet, the discussions they'd shared lingered in the air. It was clear that things were shifting within their team.

***

Two months later, Jeremy's office in the basement

"Fuck me," Angela ordered breathlessly. "Pound this tight little pussy."

Jeremy was spooning her from behind on the leather couch. His one hand held on to her supple breasts while the other strummed her swollen clit.

Both were buck naked and sweaty from their daily recreational activity.

"Oh god, I am cumming again," she wailed.

Angela started gyrating her hips while her body shuddered. Her pussy muscles tightened around his cock. She turned her head back and kissed him.

Jeremy held on for his dear life. Angela was a firecracker, she could go off again. He did not want the fun to end soon. He held on to her shivering body as her pussy continued to gush on his cock.

"I love how your pussy is molding to my cock," he whispered.

"Ooh... What else did you expect? You have been claiming it daily," she said in a mock protest.

"Are you complaining?" He asked as he rammed his cock in her pussy again.

She whimpered at the sudden movement and got up. Then she spun around and bent over the couch.

"Fuck me from behind now," she ordered breathlessly. "Tame my pussy, mold it to your size."

Jeremy positioned himself behind her and slid his cock back inside her. He gripped her hips and started thrusting with full force.

"Ahhh... Take it. Take it hard," she cried out.

The sound of ass clapping continued in the rhythm. Angela moaned loudly with each powerful impact of his body.

She could feel him hitting all the right spots. He was going hard at her pussy relentlessly. She felt another wave of ecstasy building inside her. Her pussy clenching rhythmically around his shaft. She was coming again.

Jeremy continued thrusting through her orgasm. He wanted to go on and on, but he was reaching his limits. He rammed hard one last time to bottom out his cock in her pussy. His cock started spurting all his cum deep inside her love channel.

"YES... Claim my pussy. Mark it as yours." Angela cried out as another powerful orgasm tore through her. She was writhing below his weight. Her senses were overpowered in ecstasy.

They crashed on the couch together while catching their breath.

Angela calmed down from her high and kissed him gently.

"We should stop doing this in the office," she said reluctantly.

"Why? You don't like it anymore?" He asked with a smile.

"You bastard. You make me lose my senses and then dare to ask me why?" She punched his chest.

"Oh, I strive to deliver the best results. I am committed to satisfying all your needs," he playfully quoted their conversation with the client a few hours ago.

"That you are," she laughed.

***

A few days later

The dust had settled a little at Dataminds. Jeremy was still getting used to the demands of his new job. The burden of his added responsibilities was settling on his shoulders. More importantly, he was having a good time with Angela.

It was the late afternoon. Jeremy had just completed another exhausting code review. He considered calling Angela to see if she was available. Just as he was going to stand up, his phone rang. The caller ID indicated that it was from Maya.

"Jeremy, do you have a few minutes? My office. Urgent." She requested in a curt tone.

"Sure, I will be right there." He replied.

A knot of anxiety tightened in his stomach as he hung up. Maya's voice sounded very different. Their last conversation had been warm and friendly. But this one sounded like bad news. He tried to think of a reason but could not.

Jeremy walked towards the HR office. It was too quiet. He knocked on the door.

"Come on in, Jeremy." Her voice was too cool.

She told him to enter and pointed him to the seat. Her gaze pinned him unflinchingly.

He got increasingly nervous when he sat down. The soft familiar smell of Maya's fragrance did little to reassure him.

"There are several things we should talk about... and one involves your professional conduct." She began.

"Ok?" He asked. He couldn't decipher her expressions. This was the first time that she was very professional. While her flirtatious nature irritated him, this professional demeanor caused him to experience a shivery fear.

"I am worried about your dealings with Angela." She stopped. Her eyes slightly narrowed. "Jeremy, are you in a personal relationship with Angela Chapman?"

Jeremy's heart beat frantically against the cage of his ribs. He breathed in, deeply. The rough tone of his father replayed in his mind. The old familiar mooring in the swelling sea of his nervousness: "Keep your nerves in check, lad."

Maya saw the look on his face change. Saw how his features went blank. A faint smile curled at the edge of her lips.

***

~ The End ~

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Author's Note: Well, that's a wrap, everyone! I hope you liked this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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