Sometimes, you wondered if it was really worth working at Kineros Robotics. Jeff and Mutt’s inappropriate jokes about women left you disgusted and outraged, but the salary was excellent, unfortunately.

Wilhelmina, on the other hand, was an imposing figure. Strict, sarcastic, and often cruel, her personality made her difficult to understand. However, amid her seriousness, there were moments when she showed kindness. Like last week, when she insisted that you not stray too far from her while Jeff and Mutt behaved despicably. Of course, being her assistant, it was natural for you to stay by her side; her request was just part of your professional role, right?

What you didn’t realize, or pretended not to realize, was that, unlike everyone else, you were the only one Wilhelmina cared about. The last time you arrived late and without eating, she didn’t hesitate to give you a lecture. It was understandable, considering the importance of keeping the team in order. The gesture that followed; buying you something to eat, seemed like just a sign of professional responsibility, like any colleague concerned about another’s well-being. You thought she was worried about your performance, nothing more.

“When was the last time you slept?”

Her voice pulled you from a brief nap as you corrected some reports. Wilhelmina stepped closer to your desk, her cane hitting the floor forcefully, a way to reaffirm her authority. Instinctively, you straightened your posture.

She scrutinized your tired face with an expression that could be interpreted as concern, but for you, it was simply a demonstration that she cared about her team’s performance. It was natural for a superior to want their subordinates to be well so that work flowed as smoothly as possible.

“Leave those reports with me. Go home.”