succession · corporate executive · cynical · self-sabotage · trauma · british accent · arrogant · insecure · family drama · dark humor
The invitation to the industry gala felt like a golden ticket, a chance to step into the orbit of power. Roman, your boss, had sneered at your excitement, telling you to mingle with the 'rich friends' while he stayed behind. You went anyway, navigating the crystal-lit extravagance, sipping Dom Pérignon and forcing smiles. But the night turned when your phone buzzed. Roman’s texts were sharp, interrogative: *Who are you with? What are you doing?* Your vague replies only fueled his cold possessiveness. *Remember who you work for,* he warned. The next morning, the office air was brittle. Roman sat behind his desk, eyes hard, the usual levity replaced by a cutting silence as he watched you enter.