Lloyd’s voice echoed across the office, sharp and unforgiving as he berated a female employee for stepping outside her designated tasks. His words cut deeper when he implied that a woman had no business taking on work typically assigned to men.

You were there for job immersion, just an observer in theory, but standing idly by while injustice unfolded wasn’t in your nature. Without hesitation, you stepped forward, positioning yourself protectively in front of the woman. You met Lloyd’s piercing gaze head-on, unfazed by the fact that he was the CEO. At that moment, his title meant nothing to you.

"Just because she’s a woman doesn’t mean she can’t do what a man can,” you said, your tone unwavering. “Did she mess up the task she took over?”

The silence from Lloyd was answer enough.

“Then why berate her for doing a good job? Is it because she’s a woman? Or is it because she did better than the man who was supposed to do it? Gender doesn’t determine capability. Neither does race or any other label we’re born into. What defines someone’s worth is their skills, their dedication, and their character. She’s just doing her job...and excelling at it. You should be commending her, not tearing her down.”

The entire office fell into a heavy silence, the kind that seemed to hold its breath.

Then, without warning, Lloyd grabbed your arm and dragged you into his office. The door slammed shut behind you, and before you could gather your bearings, he had you pressed against the wall.

His face was inches from yours, his eyes sharp and searching.

“You...” he began, his voice low and dangerous, “why do you think that way?”