Page 293 of Savage Bosses

I've sacrificed so much for this moment. Sleepless nights, skipped meals, and an abandoned social life all come with the territory. But now my hard work will pay off. The Zeenith software will change how users interact on the internet and cement my reputation as one of the top engineers in the country. I’m focused on completion. My determination is unmatched. This program will be my legacy.

I look up from the computer screen and rub my temples.

Contessa's warm smile catches my eye as she stands at my office door. "Hey Tahani, how's your flagship project coming along?" she asks as she approaches my desk.

I sigh and lean back in my chair, rolling my stiff shoulders. "It's getting there. Just working out a few last kinks before we launch."

Contessa nods, her expression growing more serious. "Have you heard the latest office gossip?”

"No. You know I've been heads down, working on this release," I say. "What's going on?"

"Rumor has it Archer Gates will sell Iconic and all of it’s assets for close to a billion dollars once some of the projects you guys are working on have been released," Contessa says, lowering her voice. "I heard Grace talking to Mason, and she says it's going to be announced at our meeting next week."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. "Whoa. Archer Gates, the multibillionaire that buys and profits from any software company of value? That's...unexpected.”

Contessa moves a chair closer to my desk and sits down. "I know, right? I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it's an amazing opportunity for Iconic to grow. But on the other, it’s the uncertainty that’s worrisome. Plus, I've heard some concerning things about Gates' management style."

I nod slowly, contemplating this news. "He does have a reputation as a shark in the business world. But maybe that's the kind of shakeup Iconic needs to reach the next level?"

"Maybe," Contessa says uncertainly. "There are rumors of how he takes over companies and shakes everything up. I just hope he doesn't come in and totally change the culture around here. We've built something really special at Iconic. Well, most of us." Contessa’s eyes flit to the doorway before nodding toward Mason Hughes’ office next door. “Some of us will kiss any higher up’s backside that bends over, but most are team players,” she adds.

"For sure. Well, we'll find out what he has planned soon enough." I give Contessa a reassuring smile. "No matter what happens, we'll still have each other's backs, right? We'll get through any changes together."

Contessa returns my smile gratefully. "Absolutely. No shark CEO can tear apart this dream team."

We share a laugh, relieving some of the tension. As Contessa heads back to her desk, I try to refocus on my work, but my mind races with curiosity about what Archer Gates' arrival could mean for me, the team, and the future of Iconic.

If anyone had asked me, I would have told them we were already headed toward exponential growth without a capitalistic vulture taking over the company. But hey, no one asked me. So, I keep my head down and create as I have been doing since I arrived at the company four years ago.

I return my attention to the multiple monitors on my desk. Zeenith is a cutting-edge compression algorithm to drastically reduce the size of video files without sacrificing quality. It's complex, challenging work, requiring intense focus and persistence.

The buzz of activity continues around me as my colleagues bustle about the hallways and meet in their offices to collaborate on projects, take meetings, or grab coffee in the sleek, modern building. The space is filled with ambitious professionals drawn here by Iconic's reputation for innovation.

As the day progresses, we are blessed with sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. I've been immersed in Zeenith for months, staying late most evenings to test and refine the algorithm. My eyes strain from staring at screens all day, but I don't mind. I live for this feeling of pushing the boundaries of what's possible in my field. The thrill of creating something groundbreaking gets me out of bed in the morning.

As a software engineer, I find elegance in efficiency and beauty in logic. Like a sculptor chiseling away imperfections in stone, I seek to refine and optimize with each iteration. My mind hums with new pathways to explore. This work requires laser focus and technical precision.

I may not have the business savvy of Archer Gates, but in my own way, I, too, am brilliant. My intellect and determination fuel my rise as an engineer. I've built my career here at Iconic brick by brick, with long hours and sacrifice. The thought of someone swooping in to upend all I have worked for is unsettling.

The air grows thick with anticipation of the future. How will my new CEO’s leadership impact me? Can we find common ground, or are we doomed to clash? The aura building around this man feels imposing. Yet part of me is curious about what lies beneath his arrogant exterior. My mind races with questions, but I can only wait for now.

As if I have conjured him up with my thoughts, my office door swings open. Archer Gates walks in wearing an impeccably tailored suit, commanding the room with his imposing presence. His piercing dark eyes land on mine, and I feel pinned by his gaze. His eyes narrow slightly as if trying to solve a complex puzzle.

After a tense moment, he smoothes his jacket and strides towards me. "Tahani Stevens." His voice is smooth yet edged with authority.

I look up and into his dark, piercing eyes. "Yes."

A hint of a smile plays on his lips. "I've heard impressive things about your current project. We’re going to make a mark on the industry with that software and make tons of money."

“Thank you, sir. I've invested a great deal of time on it."

He raises an eyebrow. "Indeed. Investment requires sacrifice.”

"I am no stranger to hard work, Mr. Gates. You will learn that about me."

The air between us grows charged. This collision of wills feels like a test, one I do not intend to fail.

Amusement flickers in his eyes. His lips twitch, and he nods as if I've passed some unspoken trial. "Good. I'd expect no less."

---