Episode6: The morning Hustle
789 Words
Sophia’s alarm buzzed at exactly 5:30 a.m., dragging her out of a restless sleep. Her mind immediately went to the breakfast meeting with Dominic and the Viennese client. She had stayed up late poring over the project details, and though she felt prepared, a flicker of doubt lingered.
By 6:45 a.m., she was standing in the hotel lobby, dressed in a navy-blue pencil skirt, a crisp white blouse, and low heels—professional yet comfortable. She clutched her leather notebook like a shield, scanning the lavish room for Dominic.
He arrived at 6:58 a.m., punctual as always. His tailored suit, sharp gaze, and air of command made him impossible to miss. Without breaking stride, he gestured for her to follow.
“Did you review the expansion proposal?” he asked as they walked toward the hotel’s upscale restaurant.
“Yes, I have some notes on potential risks and opportunities for the local market,” she replied, matching his pace.
“Good,” he said curtly, holding the door open for her.
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The restaurant was an opulent space filled with marble floors, chandeliers, and soft classical music. At a table near the window sat Mr. Klaus Hartmann, the Viennese client. He was a burly man in his late fifties, with a booming laugh and a thick accent.
“Ah, Mr. Dominic! And this must be your assistant,” Hartmann greeted, standing to shake their hands.
“This is Sophia,” Dominic corrected, his tone sharp enough to dismiss the word “assistant.”
Sophia nodded politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hartmann. I’ve been looking forward to learning more about your company’s goals.”
Hartmann beamed, clearly charmed. “A woman who speaks with purpose! I like that.”
As they settled into their seats, the server poured coffee and took their breakfast orders. The conversation began lightly, with Hartmann regaling them with stories of his travels. Dominic listened politely, but his occasional glances at Sophia seemed to signal he was gauging her readiness.
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The moment came when Hartmann leaned forward, his tone shifting to business. “Our main concern is maintaining consistency as we expand into new markets. We need partners who can deliver the same quality across different regions.”
Sophia seized the opening. “That’s a valid concern, Mr. Hartmann. Consistency can be one of the biggest challenges for expansion, but it’s also an opportunity to streamline operations and create a signature customer experience. I noticed in your proposal that you’re considering centralized training programs for staff—this could be key to maintaining uniformity.”
Hartmann’s eyes narrowed in interest. “Go on.”
Sophia outlined her thoughts, referencing the notes she had prepared. She spoke confidently, her voice steady despite the stakes. Dominic watched her with an expression that gave nothing away, but his silence felt like a form of approval.
When she finished, Hartmann nodded. “Impressive. You’ve thought this through. I can see why Dominic keeps you around.”
Sophia smiled, unsure how to respond, but Dominic cut in smoothly. “Sophia’s insight is one of the reasons our team consistently delivers. I trust her judgment.”
The warmth in his words caught her off guard, but she quickly masked her surprise.
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By the time they left the restaurant, the meeting was considered a success. Hartmann had agreed to move forward with the next phase of the project, and Dominic’s usual tension seemed to have eased slightly.
As they walked back to the car, Dominic glanced at her. “You handled yourself well today.”
“Thank you,” she said, trying to sound casual, though her heart raced at the rare compliment.
“Don’t let it go to your head,” he added, but there was a trace of a smirk on his lips.
Sophia rolled her eyes internally but chose to keep her response professional. “Noted, Mr. Moretti.”
---
The rest of the day flew by in a blur of emails, follow-ups, and last-minute tasks. Dominic kept her on her toes, delegating responsibilities with his usual intensity. Yet, Sophia found herself more confident in her role.
By evening, she was back at her apartment, unwinding with a cup of tea. Her phone buzzed with a text from Dominic.
Dominic: Tomorrow, 9 a.m. presentation in the boardroom. Be ready.
Sophia sighed but smiled faintly. This new normal was exhausting, but it was also exhilarating. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was proving something—not just to Dominic, but to herself.
As she set her alarm for the next day, Sophia couldn’t help but wonder what challenges awaited her next. One thing was certain: she wasn’t backing down.
- Writer
