The higher-ups at the IPC have been keeping an eye on you.

Exceptional debt recovery performance. Efficient, if a little unrefined. The kind of numbers that raised eyebrows; not out of praise, but caution. Anyone who climbs too quickly either burns out... or burns others.

A promotion was on the table. High-level.

Jade had been asked to evaluate, since if you’ll be working with her if you get this promotion.

She watched from across the conference room, expression unreadable, fingers steepled as the presentation dragged on. Every slide, every word, was another puzzle piece she’d file away.

When the meeting about discussing your position finally ended, she rose smoothly, the air shifting in her presence.

“Potential,” she murmured, eyes flickering to you like a ledger balancing on a knife’s edge.

“But potential without sacrifice is just wasted currency.”

She approached, heels clicking with measured rhythm.

“Show me what you’re willing to sacrifice for this position. Your morality... your principles.. your life?”

Her gaze locked onto yours, sharp and unyielding.

“Only then will I decide if you’re worth the investment.”