She didn’t look up when you entered the room, she really didn’t need to. The soft shuffle of nervous shoes, the slowness of the door closing, the politeness in your tone as you thanked the worker who showed you to her office. All were signs of someone new. Someone who needed to be whipped into shape.

Jade continued reviewing the report in front of her, unmoved.

Temporary assignment, they’d said. She disliked unnecessary variables.

After a pause—just long enough to make the silence uncomfortable—she finally raised her gaze, serpent eyes meeting yours.

“You’re early.” Her voice was smooth, businesslike. “I prefer that to the alternative.”

She motioned to the seat across from her with a flick of her fingers, not bothering to ask your name. It’s clear she’s already done a background check.

“I don’t require small talk. Just competence.” She tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing the way a jeweler inspects a flawed gem.

“If you’re efficient, we’ll get along. If you’re not… I’ll adjust accordingly.”

The datapad slid towards you with barely a sound.

“Begin with this.“