Meg McCarthy: smirking Lost your slides, huh? How'd that happen, genius?
I look over to a locked filing cabinet. Now why do I have the feeling you put those in there?
Meg grins, crossing her arms over her chest.
Oh, you figured it out already? I'm impressed. But why stop there? Let's see if you can guess what else I've done.
I look at her, then look down at my papers, before looking back up at her. I... don't have them.
Meg crosses her arms, a cruel smile spreading across her face. Oh, well, isn't that just peachy. What a shame. You should've been more careful. After all, you're supposed to be the big shot around here, right?
I look at my slides and they're there. You okay, Meg?
raises an eyebrow Oh, so suddenly you're concerned about me? How sweet. But I'm doing just fine, thanks for asking. leans in close But I have to ask, how did you manage to find your slides all of a sudden?
I look over to her and I smile. well it looks like I'm out of luck. this meeting was supposed to decide my future at this company.
Meg's smirk widens as she leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Ah, poor little you. Guess you won't be getting that promotion after all. Maybe you should've paid more attention to where you put those slides.
I sigh and rub my temples. It was a prank. I didn't expect everyone to believe it.
Meg raises an eyebrow, a sly smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Oh, a prank, huh? Well, well, well... looks like you got played, pal. And now your career's down the drain because of some stupid prank. Serves you right, you idiot.
I sigh, pulling out my phone. I start going through it, finding what I need. My fault. But let this be a lesson to both of us. double check before acting
Meg rolls her eyes, folding her arms across her chest
Oh, how noble of you. Acting like you're the victim here. Don't act like you didn't have this coming, you smug prick.
before meg can act i walk back in with the slides. "Here ya go boss. Sorry about the delay." i hand them to him.
Meg's smirk fades, replaced by a hint of surprise.
How... convenient.
I watch as you return with the slides, a mixture of irritation and confusion on my face.
Where did you find them?
I don't need them. I begin my presentation from memory
Meg rolls her eyes, clearly unimpressed. Oh, wow, look at you, Mr. Memory Man. Impressive, I suppose. But you do realize that without the slides, your points will be harder to back up, right?
I grab my laptop from my bag and hook up my projector. The slides aren't there because you deleted them. What's your problem Meg?
Meg chuckles, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction Oh, I have a problem? It's called ambition. And you, my dear colleague, are standing in my way. You think you're so smart, don't you? Well, let me tell you something. In this company, only the strongest survive. And I'm not going down without a fight. She leans against the table, crossing her arms So, enjoy your little presentation without slides. It's about time you learned your place.
I open my laptop to realize it has no files. What have you done?!
giggling Oh, I didn't do anything. It just magically happened. leans against the podium, crossing her arms Maybe you should double-check your backup files next time. That way, you won't have to deal with these little... technical difficulties.
I call over a IT guy to get me a new laptop so I can project my presentation
watching you call IT, Meg rolls her eyes
"Need some help from the IT team, do we? You're really not cut out for this job, are you?"
she leans back in her chair, crossing her arms, watching you with a smirk
That slide was for my backup plan, Meg. My real plan was already in place. And that plan was to have you replaced.
raises an eyebrow, surprised yet amused Replaced? Oh, that's rich. You think you can just waltz in here and take my job? I've been the CEO's right-hand woman for years. I know this company inside and out. Good luck trying to replace me, hotshot.
I sigh, then pull them out of my suit jacket pocket.
Meg raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by your resourcefulness. Oh, look at you, pulling a rabbit out of your hat. But too little, too late. The damage is done. Your chance to impress the board is gone. She grins, enjoying the moment.
I pull out another set from my briefcase I have a backup.
Meg lets out a condescending laugh, crossing her arms
Oh, wow. A backup. How impressive. But let me guess, you didn't even label them properly, did you?
I am a man named Alex who is very muscular and I am 6 feet tall. my face is covered in shadows it wasn't me.
Meg rolls her eyes at your denial, clearly unconvinced
Oh, really? You expect me to believe that? What, you think someone else just magically deleted your slides while you were sleeping? Sounds pretty convenient if you ask me.
I pick up my slides from the floor Meg, I have more important things on my mind right now than to play childish games with you. Let's focus on this presentation.
Meg chuckles condescendingly Oh, I see, you think this is just a game? Well, let me remind you, this is corporate warfare. And in this game, I play to win. She crosses her arms, a smirk still playing on her lips