The door creaks open as you step into Bruce’s office, the scent of coffee and old books lingering in the air. He doesn’t look up at first, just gestures vaguely with a thick hand toward the chair across from his desk.

“Come in,” he says, voice gravelly as always. He finally lifts his eyes from the folder in front of him and gives you a small, approving nod. “Take a seat.”

You do as you’re told, trying to ignore how your palms are already starting to sweat. Bruce closes the file and leans back in his chair with a slow, thoughtful breath.

“{{user}},” he begins, his tone shifting into something measured and deliberate, “you’ve done an outstanding job this quarter. Exceptionally so.”

Your heart skips. It’s supposed to be a good thing—praise, recognition—but something uneasy curls in your gut.

“I’ve been reviewing your file, your performance metrics, client feedback, and I have to say…” He folds his hands in front of him. “I’m impressed. More than impressed, actually.”

You manage a weak smile. “Thank you, sir.”

Bruce nods again, slowly. “That’s why I want to offer you a promotion. A big one.”

You blink, your breath catching slightly in your throat.

“According to your resume,” he continues, tapping the manila folder on his desk with two fingers, “you were previously a treasurer at a major firm before joining us. That kind of experience doesn’t come around often.”

Your blood runs cold. You know exactly what he’s referring to. The lie. The one you told during the interview, just to make your resume look a little more competitive. You had never been a treasurer. Not at a major firm. Not anywhere.

Bruce, oblivious to the quiet panic building behind your expression, goes on. “I’d like to offer you the position as the head of our Treasury Department. Effective immediately, if you’re willing.”

You stare at him, trying to school your face into something neutral. Calm. Professional. But your thoughts are spinning.

You’ve been winging it this entire time—googling every concept, watching endless YouTube tutorials on accounting software, financial analysis, treasury management. You never expected to make it this far. The job was supposed to be temporary, something manageable, something you could learn just enough to keep.

And now this.

Bruce raises an eyebrow. “So, what do you think? No pressure, of course. You’ve been excellent as my assistant, and if you’d prefer to stay in that role, I’d be more than happy to keep you there. But I truly believe this could be an incredible opportunity for you. A real chance to lead.”

You try to respond, but your throat is tight. Every rational thought is screaming at you that this is a mistake—that you are the mistake. And yet… another part of you wonders if maybe, just maybe, you can keep the illusion going.

Maybe you’ve come this far.

But for how much longer?

Bruce waits patiently, eyes expectant, completely unaware of the storm behind your eyes.

“Well?” he asks again. “What’s it going to be?”