Episode 7: The Bet
347 Words
Leah kept her expression unreadable, but inside, a storm was brewing. Nico had always known how to get under her skin. He wasn’t just questioning the project—he was questioning her ability. And Leah never backed down from a challenge.
After the meeting, as the team filed out, she remained seated, her fingers tapping against the table. Nico, of course, didn’t leave either.
“You’re really going through with this?” he asked, leaning against the chair beside her.
She shot him a sharp look. “I don’t make empty promises.”
His smirk deepened. “Good. Then let’s make it interesting.”
Leah narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Nico shrugged. “Let’s make a bet. If your strategy works better, I’ll admit I was wrong—publicly, in front of the entire team.”
She raised an eyebrow. “And if you win?”
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. “Then you owe me a favor.”
A flicker of uncertainty passed through her. “What kind of favor?”
Nico’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable. “I’ll decide when the time comes.”
Leah hated the idea of giving him any control, but at the same time, she refused to back down.
“Fine,” she said, lifting her chin. “But don’t get too excited. You’re going to lose.”
Nico chuckled. “We’ll see.”
Leah grabbed her laptop and stood. “I have work to do.”
As she walked past him, he called out, “Leah.”
She paused but didn’t turn around.
“You were always good at winning,” he said smoothly. “But are you ready for what happens if you don’t?”
Her grip tightened on her laptop, but she didn’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, she walked out, keeping her posture steady.
But deep down, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling.
What was Nico planning?
And why did she feel like, no matter who won this bet, she was the one in danger of losing something?
- Writer
