Days passed, and Sonia proved herself quickly.
She was efficient.
Organized.
Sharp.
But what stood out the most?
She wasn't afraid of him.
She respected him—but she didn't shrink in his presence.
"Your meeting has been moved to 2 PM," she said one afternoon.
Without hesitation. Without fear.
Derek leaned back slightly, observing her.
"Do I intimidate you?"
Sonia paused, then replied honestly,
"No, sir. You're just a man doing his job."
That answer lingered in his mind longer than it should have.