Be careful, a voice in her head warned her. But screw that. She’d earned her place here. “Since when does such a green architect get that kind of high-profile job? I thought the firm had a system. A ladder.” One that she’d climbed, step-by-step, never skipping a single rung.

Dave sighed. Still didn’t look up. “Arwen is very talented.”

“I’m aware of that, Dave. But she’s only thirty-one. She still needs supervision.”

“Or does she? She’s quite ambitious. People respond to her.”

“There are a lot of ambitious people here who outrank her. Matt. Elena. Brett.” She paused. “Me. I’m a little shocked that I wasn’t informed we were pitching this job, frankly. I’m the senior project manager at this firm.”

“Look, Juliet,” he said, finally looking at her. Her chin, to be exact. “You’ve done some remarkable work for us.”

“I am doing remarkable work for you, Dave.” Her voice was firm but she made sure not to be too angry, because God forbid her boss had to deal with an angry female. “I realize Arwen is the shiny new thing, but my record speaks for itself, doesn’t it?”

“I’m a fan of yours, Juliet. Don’t get hostile.”

Oh, the fuckery. “I’m not being hostile. I’m pointing out facts.”

“Maybe if you smiled more, people would—”

“Dave. Do not finish that sentence.”

“I’m just saying, Arwen is a really positive person. She smiles all the time.”

“Are you giving her a promotion because she smiles?” she asked.

“There’s that hostility.” He smiled ruefully.

“It’s disbelief, not hostility.”

“Juliet, you’re very serious.”

“About my work, absolutely. You could say that’s a positive attribute in an architect.”

He put his hands behind his head. “Listen. You’re right. Arwen is new and exciting, and the world seems to love her.”

Time to be dead honest. “But her work isn’t particularly special, and you must know that.”

“Be careful, Juliet. You’re sounding very jealous and competitive.”

Hostile, serious, jealous and competitive. All code for bitch, or worse. If she were a man, it would be fiery, dedicated, strategic and ambitious.

But here she was, in a male-owned, male-run firm. So she lowered her voice to a tone Dave could tolerate. “I’ve always put the firm’s best interests first and foremost, Dave. I’m your senior architect. I’ve never let you down, have I?”

He tilted his head. “Nothing is coming to mind, no.”

“Because it’s never happened.”

“What’s your point, Juliet?” He glanced at his phone.

You could lose me. I might quit. I could sue you for ageism and discrimination.