‘Not at all. What I’m saying is that it was completely unfair and there was nothing you could have done about it. You’re a brilliant project manager and you’re completely across your work. Sophia and her circle of acolytes don’t understand the developments we’re making in this industry at all. And who knows what that Roger thinks about anything.’

‘What a creep.’ Ellie sighed. ‘At least I don’t have to deal with him anymore, either.’

‘You challenged them, Ellie. And good for you! You should feel proud for taking the high moral ground,’ he said, gazing earnestly at her.

‘Well, it was either that or a complete breakdown. It’s just hard to swallow that they essentially stole my project,’ she said, looking away. ‘All that work, and for what? I left my job with pretty much nothing to show for it.’ She sat up straight. ‘Note to self – don’t make waves.’

‘You know their number one rule: put up, shut up, work longer, harder, faster.’ Mike pushed up his tortoiseshell-framed glasses and stretched out his long jean-clad legs.

‘Yeah. And the thing about that is, when you emerge from that bubble you realise you have no life. It’s taken me years to notice. I don’t count office drinks in underground bars talking shop with colleagues I really don’t have anything in common with as the highlight of my social life, but I’ve realised that’s all I did outside of work.’ She looked at Mike and smiled. ‘You were the only person I could talk to. If I’m still sane at all, it’s because of you, Mike.’

‘Hey, Ellie. You’re out of it and free of them. But it’s been ages now. You need to find a new focus. You’re a hotshot in IT, you’re creative. And you’re highly organised, good at managing people, a planner and a visionary. Your team adored you. Any big IT company would kill to get you.’ He reached over and put his hand `on hers. ‘Of course, if you’d stayed and eventually been made redundant you would have been paid out.’

‘Never! That would have been hell. Imagine sitting there having to watch that woman trying to run things and stuffing up. Then they’d have to ask me to fix it – or just blame me for it. She thinks she knows more than she does.’ Ellie bit her lip. ‘I feel steamrolled. I can’t work up the confidence – or the motivation, I guess – to do anything. I know I have to pull my finger out, but . . .’ She shrugged. ‘Am I whingeing?’

Mike pulled his hand back and gave her a lopsided grin. ‘Maybe, but you’re allowed to. Now, do you want to eat? I’m starving.’