I actually do know this answer to this – Emmanuel’s arranging for me to have a project assistant – but it’s not appropriate to share this now.

‘Now that Danielle’s ruined your big news…’ Dhruv throws a look in her direction. ‘…may we offer our congratulations as well?’

I look around my project team, trying to gauge their reactions. My eyes linger on Felix for a fraction of a second longer, but he shows no obvious negative reaction.

‘I… eh… sure, why not.’

There’s an immediate flurry of congratulatory messages.

‘Well done, mate.’ Dhruv gives me a slapping handshake. ‘Fantastic news. Good to know we’re learning from one of the best in the company.’

‘This is very good news, Alex,’ Felix chips in, and to my relief, sounds genuinely pleased for me. ‘In Germany, we say Herzliche Glückwünsche. This means… heartfelt wishes of luck.’

The others follow with their support in quick succession, including those on the Zoom call, and I’m quite overwhelmed by the collective sincere and supportive reactions. Danielle aside, they really are a great bunch.

‘Thank you, all of you. It’s my hope that I can bring what I learn back to this room and be the best, most supportive leader I can be.’

‘Hear hear,’ Dhruv calls out. ‘Now let’s get out of here. My pint isn’t going to pour itself.’

We laugh as we say our goodbyes to our international colleagues and head out of the meeting room. As we walk along the corridor to the lifts, I notice Danielle looking a bit smug, despite the fact I received such a positive response from the team. I up my pace slightly so that I can catch her up.

‘So, Danielle, how did you come across that particular piece of information?’ I keep my tone deliberately casual.

‘Oh, you know. It was doing the rounds. Can’t remember where it came from.’ She looks me straight in the eye, but I can tell she’s lying through her teeth.

‘Right. Seems funny though, if it was getting around, that it was such a surprise to the rest of the team, doesn’t it?’

‘Guess they must have missed it somehow,’ she says, then struts off ahead of me.

Yeah, and I’m the Queen of Sheba. All too aware that Danielle’s behaviour may be escalating, and needs to be nipped in the bud, I decide to schedule some time with Emmanuel to discuss how to do just that. Emmanuel will be very unhappy that this has leaked. But where did it come from? Suddenly, I get a flash of memory, back to bumping into Danielle that Monday lunchtime. She was with someone. Another member of her coven, it seems. I wonder who that person is, and where she works.

I’m beyond shattered by the time I’m unlocking the door to my apartment. A heavy week was not what I needed after Sasha’s visit, but I’m still in high spirits, despite Danielle’s attempt to steal my sunshine. I push her and her nonsense firmly to the back of my mind.