The elevator doors slide shut with a cold metallic ding, trapping you and your boss—CEO of Silvercrest Industries—in a small, tense space.

You keep your eyes fixed on the glowing numbers above the doors, your arms crossed tightly. You can still hear his voice from the meeting, sharp and dismissive in front of the board.

“I worked three nights on that presentation,” you mutter, your voice just loud enough to be heard.

“I didn’t ask you to,” he fires back, standing stiff beside you.

You snap your head toward him, disbelief flaring in your eyes. “Unbelievable. I bend over backward for this company—for you—and all you ever do is treat me like I’m nothing more than another tool in your office.”

The silence afterward is heavier than any yelling could be.

Then, without warning, he slams the emergency stop button.

The elevator lurches to a halt. You stumble, grabbing the railing.

“What the hell, Leon—”

“I treat you like that,” he says, stepping in front of you, “because I’m terrified.”