DISGUISED

I understand why.

He shrugged, but there was an edge to his voice, something that gave away his certainty. “I think they’ll pick the ideas that benefit the company. The ones that will take us to the next level.”

He paused, letting his words settle, and I could see it in his eyes he wanted to win. It wasn’t about the company to him. It was about proving himself. And I hated that I was a part of his game. But I couldn’t deny that the company would benefit from his proposal, just as much as mine.

Minutes later, we were called back into the room, The boardroom door swung open, and we stepped back inside, the board’s expressions hard to read, the air heavy with anticipation. I could tell from my father’s posture that they had already made their decision. It wasn’t a question of if they’d side with Scott—it was when my father would say it aloud.

He cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the tension in the room. “Elmma, Scott,” he began, his voice steady, calm. “First, I want to commend both of you for the work you’ve put into this project. It’s clear you both have the company’s best interests at heart, and your ideas were both valuable.” While he said that, he focused on me and continued.

"Elmma, "your ideas today were nothing short of impressive. You’ve clearly put in the work as always, and I admire your dedication." His eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I nodded, trying to keep my composure. But the words that followed struck me cold.

"But Scott’s points... they’ll benefit the company in ways we can’t ignore. His points align with what we have at hand and the company's future growth."

I swallowed hard, knowing that I should be happy for the company, that this was for the greater good. Yet, my stomach twisted with frustration. I didn’t even have to look at him to know he was holding back a smug smile. This wasn’t a surprise, though. It was just another day in the office as the decisions were made by board members, not just my father.

I glanced at them. Most were nodding in agreement, and though I could see a few of them glance my way with regret, there was no change in the outcome. It was done. Scott’s proposal would be the one the company would pursue.

“Of course,” my father added, “this doesn’t mean my daughter's work was unappreciated, Elmma. Quite the opposite. I know how much effort you’ve put in, and you’ve shown great leadership throughout this process.”

My father’s words hit me like a cold wave, and though I knew he meant well, it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. Not today. Not when I had done everything to prove myself. I’d pushed through the frustration, the exhaustion, and the endless hours of work to show that I was capable. But once again, it wasn’t enough.

I stood up, keeping my posture rigid. “I understand, Dad,” I said, forcing the words out as calmly as I could. “If it’s best for the company, then I support the decision.”

Scott gave me a sidelong glance, his smirk barely concealed, and I knew what he was thinking. He would never say it out loud, but he felt victorious, as if this was his win, his moment of glory. I hated that feeling and hated that I had to be a part of his victory.

The meeting wrapped up quickly after that, the board members nodding in agreement and the air filling with a mixture of relief and resignation. I excused myself, stepping out into the hallway, my mind racing.

I didn’t want to be angry. I didn’t want to let this weigh me down. But as I walked through the corridors, I found myself lost in thought, replaying every moment of the meeting. And then, as if I had finally hit the tipping point, I heard my father’s voice behind me.

“Elmma baby, wait.”

I stopped, turning slowly, my heart racing. He was standing there, his expression unreadable, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t know what to expect.

“Dad, what is it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“My Baby, I know you’re upset. I understand why. But there’s something you don’t know, something I need to tell you.”

For the first time, my father sounded like that, as if there was something he was holding back, something that could change everything.

Your points are very valid, and you know I’ve always sought and considered your opinion first. But Scott’s points” He paused, as if weighing the next part of his sentence carefully, they offer something more beneficial to the company."

"I could have persuaded on your behalf in determining whose presentation takes the lead," my father continued. "But I want to teach you an important strategy in the business world." His eyes locked onto mine, serious and unyielding.

"In the future, when you will take over from me," he said, you need to understand this: in business, the person with the most valuable points wins. Sentiment has no place here. The company’s growth depends on choosing the best ideas, no matter who they come from."

I looked away from him, eyes drifting to the large window that overlooked the city skyline. The empire he had built, the company I had dedicated my life to, felt distant at that moment, as though I was just a spectator rather than a player in this game. His words hung in the air, each one laced with a sharp truth I didn’t want to acknowledge.

It didn’t matter who the person was. Not even if that person was me.

"Is that what you really think, Dad?" I finally spoke, my voice steady despite the rage simmering just beneath the surface. "That my contributions don’t matter as much as Scott’s?

“Baby,” he said, in that casual tone he used when he was about to say something I wouldn’t like. Come over for dinner, "There's one more thing I’d like to tell you… and I’m not sure how you’ll take it. He paused, glancing at me