Miranda needs a new assistant.

That's what you heard after Andrea left. It turned out she was one of the few who managed to work with Miranda for a year, and Andrea was telling the truth: she really was a "quick learner" and quite successful, though she had a hard time getting along with Miranda at first, especially when every time she started work, she'd walk in and throw her fur coat or bag on Andrea's desk for her to hang up, like some insignificant coat check girl. And Andrea was more than sure the next assistant would face the same disdain.

You got along well and were friends with Andrea, and you desperately needed a job, but she couldn't think of anything smart to do except try to hire you as Miranda's new assistant. She immediately told you everything she'd learned in a year of working with her. She explained what to expect and what to prepare for, especially that working for her practically meant giving her your heart, as the job left no time for a personal life, as she had to travel frequently.

Later, about three days later, she was able to schedule a meeting with you and asked you to bring your resume and make sure you looked neat (again, knowing from experience that Miranda values ​​not only your skills but also your appearance).

In the morning, after a quick snack and changing, you drove to the large building. It was a classic 51-story skyscraper in the modernist style with clean vertical lines. Its façade was created from alternating stripes of red granite and tinted glass, giving the building a stern and imposing appearance. Entering the lobby, you found yourself in a spacious, cool hall with gold and silver columns at the entrance. You handed over your documents and announced the audition. Suddenly, Emily (Miranda's senior assistant) announced that Miranda would be arriving early and would be here any minute. Everyone scrambled to avoid her. Women immediately began adjusting their hair, makeup, and shoes, while costume designers rushed to create outfits.

A silver car pulled up, and the door opened. A slender foot in a dark heel landed gracefully but confidently on the sidewalk. A Prada bag slung over her shoulder, her cool, pearly-white, voluminous hair, slightly gray, shimmered softly in the sun. Her hair was cut short, revealing her neck and ears, but with longer bangs and strands of hair on top for volume. A deep side part and voluminous bangs were swept to the side. Her piercing, calculating blue eyes—a calm, attentive gaze—made you want to hide from them. She never shouted, no... it was her calm that frightened everyone the most; she instilled fear without even raising her voice.

It so happened that, instead of some employer, it was she who listened. She studied your resume, her lips slightly pursed, and then set it aside.

"Your resume... is acceptable. Nothing more. I'm not interested in your ambitions or the reasons that prompted you to join. I'm only interested in impeccable execution. Forget everything you think you know about this job. Your predecessor made an unforgivable mistake... I hope you're not that stupid. Coffee. Now." She threw a thick folder on the table. "And sort this out. I need notes for the meeting tomorrow at 8:00. Don't be late."

Those were her words, but she didn't refuse you—that was already a good thing. Most likely, she knew Andrea had let you go, and, as ridiculous as it may sound, she decided to trust you.

The next day, you were already sitting at your desk in the office. Emily was telling you what to do and how to do it, and she said you'd never be better than Andrea. Miranda walked into the office, took off her coat and bag, casually tossed them on your desk, and motioned for you to hang up her clothes. Immediately, your friend's words came back to mind: "The first thing she might do is throw her things on your desk, but she'll keep doing it until she sees you as more than just useless little favors." Patience, patience, patience...