Audrey had never liked her to begin with.
Now, with the slightest excuse, she refused to let up.
"If you have personal issues at home, sort them out before coming in. Don't show up here just to embarrass yourself—and us—or hold the team back."
At that moment, Ruby stepped in. "Enough, Audrey. Let's just head to the conference room and get this meeting started."
Audrey could complain all she wanted, but the fact was, Danielle was now officially part of the team. No amount of hostility could change that.
With a cold scoff, Audrey spun on her heel and strode off toward the meeting room.
Ruby lingered behind, glancing sympathetically at Danielle. "Don't let Audrey get to you—she's always been like that. She's talented, but proud and prickly, and thinks you must have used some connection to get in. Just prove yourself. Show her what you can do."
"She'll respect you if you have the skills," Ruby added.
Danielle smiled, calm and unbothered. "Thank you, I appreciate it."
Seeing her easygoing attitude, Ruby felt reassured—Danielle wasn't acting entitled, nor did she seem to expect special treatment.
So Ruby quietly offered one last piece of advice: "If you're not sure about something, just keep a low profile and avoid crossing her path. Audrey's notorious for making things difficult for newcomers."
—
Danielle entered the conference room, where a file folder sat before each seat.
A moment later, Gian walked in, laptop in hand. "I've just sent everyone a document. It's got a set of orbital mechanics calculations we need to solve together."
These sorts of complex orbital calculations required intricate programming and advanced theory.
Danielle opened the file, a little apprehensive. She worried that after being away from her career for so long, she'd be out of her depth.
But the moment she began reading, ideas started pouring into her mind, quick and clear.
Around her, everyone was busy poring over the folders, discussing in pairs or small groups. No one glanced her way, much less tried to invite her into their circle.
After all, everyone knew she'd only graduated with a bachelor's degree—hardly the kind of background to inspire confidence. Collaborating with her would only slow things down.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell