Page 18 of My Ruthless Opponent

With a resigned sigh, I walk away. I decide against stealing one last glimpse because it would weaken my resolve.

I’ll come back, Dad. Soon. Just hang in there. Please. I’ll make it all okay. I promise.

???

I push the revolving door and enter the office building. I am late. Twenty minutes late to be exact.

I left home early and by my estimation, I had enough time even after diving to home care to pay the monthly bill. What I didn’t consider was having a flat tire.

I had to change it before driving here. I am glad the suit jacket is black. It won’t have any sweat stains.

KIM Advertising’s office is a seven-story building. Each floor handles a different department.

I work on the fifth floor. The most lively space.

Every inch of the floor gives off an artistic vibe. I am panting by the time I reach my floor.

There’s a group of employees huddled at the corner with a bunch of multi-colored fabric in hand.

I make a mad dash toward my office, nodding at an intern who’s wearing a snapback.

My eyes don’t miss the way another group of subordinates that were chatting animatedly grow silent the moment they see me walking toward them.

Jason, one of the interns approaches me. “Hannah, Help! I am two seconds away from having a meltdown.”

I don’t stop walking or slow down. “Talk.”

He jogs by my side. He holds up two printed creative. “Pick one. These are the two graphics we finalized for the digital ad for Supreme Glam.”

Ah. The cosmetic brand. I glance at the graphics for two seconds before saying, “Neither.”

“B-but…”

I stop then. I look at him. He is in his early twenties with a pale complexion and a head full of dark hair.

“Clients choose KIM Advertising-the leading agency of LA-because they know we are the best. The color schemes are dull. The fonts are ordinary. Keep the target audience in mind and ponder on what attracts them. Why would they click on the ad? Make it enticing enough for them to stop scrolling on their devices.”

Jason stares at me with wide eyes. “We don’t have time!”

I level him with a pointed look. “Try again.”

He knows I have fired three interns this month for slacking off. I am not petty or cruel to fire them because they weren’t punctual or they didn’t submit their reports on time.

I am considerate enough to let it slide. What I can’t and will not tolerate is half-assing things. If there is a place for improvement in a particular task, I expect them to work on it. Until it is perfect.

Jason swallows hard. “I’ll get on it right away.”

“Better.”

I resume striding and finally reach the meeting room.

I push open the door, preparing myself to face Archer and Raleigh.

I purposely keep my head down. I don’t want to meet Raleigh’s eyes. I don’t want to see his smug face.

I am always punctual.

This is the first time I am running late. That too for a meeting that involves Archer Kim himself. I know I’ll never see the end of it.

---