A range of sources? I thought Danielle was the only one.

‘This conversation being…?’

‘Oh, sorry, Alex. I’m talking in riddles. Didn’t manage to get lunch. Think my blood sugar is low.’

She takes another bite of her panettone, leaving me with the agony of having to wait until she has swallowed before I know what’s going on. I watch her intently, willing her to chew faster so I can hear the case against me and prepare my defence.

‘All right,’ she says finally. ‘I’ll get to the point. Alex, I know you’ve only been with us for a few months, but what I see in you is a level of potential I’ve seen in very few people. I’d like to nominate you for the Future Leaders talent programme. That is, if you’re interested?’

What? This isn’t the showdown I was expecting. Far from it. I was convinced that Danielle had finally made some progress in her bid to oust me. Realising this not to be the case, I feel a bit guilty for jumping to conclusions. Then I remember how Danielle has behaved towards me since I joined and the guilt evaporates faster than a puddle in a hot desert.

I break into a huge smile. ‘Of course I’m interested, Emmanuel. Thank you so much. But are you sure about this? As you say, I’ve only been here a couple of months. Also, what about…’ I can’t bear to finish my sentence.

‘I’ve taken all that into consideration. We need greater diversity at senior levels within the company. I realise that one day you may no longer be able to take on such a challenge, but why shouldn’t you have the opportunity to do so while you can? With your potential, and the right development, I can see you taking on a role at my level within a year. And I expect that within three to five years I’ll be reporting to you.’

I’m stunned by Emmanuel’s candour. She’s talking about me succeeding and climbing the career ladder beyond her, and she’s not just accepting it, she’s encouraging it.

‘Emmanuel, wow. I don’t know what to say. Thank you for having such confidence in me.’

‘You made it easy, Alex.’ She smiles at me, almost affectionately. ‘Now, eat up and I’ll run you through the programme, what the expectations are, etc. Just to be sure this is for you.’

I take a satisfying bite of my panettone as Emmanuel starts to share the details. While she talks, I find myself getting more and more excited. Me? One of the company’s future top leaders? I’ve read about the programme; only a handful of employees get put through it every year. I was doing well in my previous job, but the talent scheme there was like the holy grail. So many people pursuing it, but never seeming to get the tap on the shoulder. I came to Birmingham to claim back my life and, boy, have I managed that.

I had nothing to worry about. Danielle is a dissatisfied, spiteful person. But she’s not really a threat. I won’t let her get to me again. This is the confidence boost I needed to make sure of that.