Alessia hesitated briefly, before nodding. ‘Yes, I’m up for the challenge.’
‘Wow, Alessia’s really stepping up.’ This was Jan.
‘Yeah, she’s brave. I wonder if she can handle it,’ another colleague said, not without a touch of jealousy.
Wilda said, ‘All right then, Miss Jansen, you’re in charge of Lara’s responsibilities for now. Everybody else, continue with your regular tasks. We have deadlines to meet, and I expect everyone to give their best effort.’
She turned to Alessia, ‘Miss Jansen, come into my office, please.’
Jan said in a low voice, ‘Good luck, Alessia. You’ll need it.’
The woman next to her nodded. ‘Yeah, she’s got big shoes to fill.’
Alessia took a deep breath and made her way to the chief editor’s office.
‘Close the door,’ Wilda said from her seat be
