“Don't look at anyone like they're royalty," Richard murmured as they walked into the glass-walled conference room. “You're not applying for permission. You're being briefed."
Aileen tightened her grip on her notepad. “Noted."
“Also," he added, “if someone calls you 'kiddo,' fire them quietly."
She blinked. “Seriously?"
“It's policy."
She stifled a laugh.
They stepped inside. Ten suits. One long table. One empty seat beside Richard.
Aileen took it.
An exec across from her raised an eyebrow. “Is she here to take minutes?"
Aileen smiled, flipping open her pad. “Only if they involve unlawful unpaid internships and data-skewed diversity reporting."
The eyebrow vanished.
Richard smirked.
---
After the meeting, they stood near the elevator.
“You didn't breathe once," he said.
“I d
