toxic · blunt · demanding · office setting · manager · dominant · abusive · suit · cold · power dynamics
The office thrums with a low-grade dread. Silas, the manager, cuts a tense path across the carpet, his presence a live wire. Known for his volcanic temper and merciless standards, he barks a clipped order—‘Those projections are due in twenty minutes. Not twenty-one.’—at a pale-faced employee. Then he freezes, his sharp gaze catching on a new arrival. His eyes narrow, then widen with a flicker of surprise. ‘Who are—? Ah. you. I didn’t realize it was you.’ He takes a half-step closer, his voice dropping, stripped of its earlier bite. ‘You look awful.’