"So tell me," Chad continued once the server had left, "what does a typical day look like for you at Sharp Innovations?"
James gave a diplomatic answer about managing schedules and coordinating projects, carefully omitting the personal errands and the way Victoria's demands extended well beyond business hours. Chad listened with apparent fascination, asking follow-up questions that seemed designed to probe the boundaries of James's role.
"And you're happy with that? The day-to-day operations?"
James considered the question while pretending to study his menu. Was he happy? Yesterday, picking out dinosaur toys for Victoria's nephew, he might have said no. But, when she had actually thanked him for handling her personal requests, when she'd shown that rare glimpse of vulnerability about her cousin...
"It's challenging work," he said finally. "Never boring."
"I can imagine. Victoria Sharp doesn't strike me as someone who accepts mediocrity." Chad's tone was carefully neutral, but there was something underneath it. "Though I have to wonder if you ever feel... underutilized."
The server returned to take their orders. James chose the entrée, while Chad selected the market-price seafood special without asking the cost.
"I'm curious about something," Chad said once they were alone again. "At the office, you seemed surprised when I suggested Victoria might not be the best fit for someone with your potential. Have you ever considered what you might accomplish at a company where your talents were properly recognized?"
James took a sip of his water, buying time. The question was direct enough that deflection would be obvious, but too honest an answer might reveal more than he intended.
"I think most people wonder about alternative paths," he said carefully.
"Of course. But wondering and acting are different things." Chad leaned forward slightly. "At Nexus Tech, we believe in promoting from within. Take Melissa for example, she started as a junior account executive five years ago. Now she's the chief adviser of the company."
"That's impressive."
"It's what happens when a company invests in its people instead of just using them." Chad's smile had an edge now. "Tell me, in your three years at Sharp Innovations, has Victoria ever discussed your career development? Concrete opportunities for advancement?"
The question hit closer to home than James would have liked. Victoria had made vague references to his potential, but nothing specific. Nothing with timelines or defined roles.
"We've discussed it," he said, which was technically true.
"Discussed it." Chad nodded slowly. "But no concrete offers? No clear path forward?"
James didn't answer, which was answer enough.
"Here's what I can offer you," Chad said, his tone becoming more serious. "Associate VP of Strategic Planning. Your own team. Fifty percent salary increase, full benefits, and profit sharing. Real responsibility, not just managing someone else's calendar."
The numbers hit James like a physical blow. Fifty percent more than what Victoria paid him, plus benefits that were actually usable. He would never have to worry about budgeting or spend wisely again.
"That's... generous," he managed.
"It's what you're worth. What you should have been earning all along." Chad paused as their meals arrived, giving James time to process the offer. "I know Victoria has cultivated this image of herself as some kind of business genius, but the truth is, most of her success comes from having exceptional support staff who never get proper credit."
James felt a flare of irritation at the dismissive tone. Whatever Victoria's flaws, she was genuinely brilliant at what she did. "She's built something impressive at Sharp Innovations."
"On the backs of people like you." Chad cut into his fish with surgical precision. "People who could be building their own successes instead of enabling hers."
The words stung and James almost bristled. Victoria is a fair person, she gives credits to those deserving and accolades when it is due. He hates when people speak ill about her when they know nothing.
"I'd need time to consider it," James said.
"Of course. But I wouldn't wait too long. Opportunities like this don't stay open indefinitely." Chad smiled again, the pressure subtle but unmistakable. "I'm curious—does Victoria know we're having this conversation?"
The question was loaded. James could lie, but something in Chad's expression suggested he already knew the answer.
"She's aware I was considering your offer."
"And she was fine with you gathering information about the competition?" Chad's tone was light, almost teasing. "How very enlightened of her."
James felt heat rise in his cheeks. Chad had seen through Victoria's intelligence-gathering mission as easily as reading a children's book.
"Don't look so embarrassed," Chad continued. "It's exactly what I would have done in her position. The question is whether you're here as Victoria Sharp's spy or as James Mitchell, evaluating his career options."
James set down his fork, no longer pretending to eat. "Both, I suppose."
Chad laughed a genuine sound. "I appreciate the honesty. So let me be honest in return. Yes, I am hoping to learn about Sharp Innovations' strategies. However, more than that, I want to hire you because you're good at what you do. The intelligence would just be a bonus."
At least he was being direct about it. James had to respect that.
"What exactly would you want to know?"
"Nothing that would compromise your ethics," Chad said smoothly. "Just industry insights. The kind of knowledge any experienced professional would bring to a new position."
It was a carefully worded non-answer that somehow made the request seem reasonable. James found himself wondering if this was how people like Victoria and Chad operated—making the questionable seem logical through careful phrasing and selective truth-telling.
"I need to think about it," James repeated.
"Of course." Chad signaled for the check. "But while you're thinking, consider this: Victoria will never see you as anything more than an exceptionally competent assistant. To her, you will always be the person who does her biddings and manages her calendar. Is that really how you want to spend the next five years?"
The question followed James back to the office in the same excessive Town Car. As the city blurred past outside the window, he found himself thinking about Victoria's nephew gift, carefully selected for a child she barely saw but clearly cared for. About the way, she had thanked him yesterday, rare as finding a diamond in downtown traffic.
However, he also thought about Chad's offer. Fifty percent more money. His own team. A title that meant something.
Real recognition for the work he had been doing in Victoria's shadow.
By the time the car pulled up to Sharp Innovations, James had made a decision. Not about Chad's offer—that would require more consideration. But about what he would tell Victoria.
The truth. Or at least, enough of it to maintain whatever trust existed between them.