To Miguel’s credit, he owned it and said, “He has more experience in an office environment than you, he’s been a member of our team for five years, and he is networked locally, whereas you are a complete unknown. It’s not personal, Annabelle, but Carson just brings a lot more to the table than you do.”

“Those are fair points,” I agreed. “But how is his rapport with the staff? Is he a strong mentor and motivator? Is he truly getting the best work out of your designers?”

Miguel blinked as if surprised I’d questioned him. “It’s excellent. Everyone works really well with him.”

I knew I could mention the tension I’d seen between Carson and Luz, and Booker’s support of my Carson takedown, but I didn’t. Instead I said, “You might want to look more closely.”

Miguel frowned but I didn’t elaborate. I wasn’t going to throw staff under the bus to make my point, and at this moment, thanks to Carson’s poison, Miguel wouldn’t believe me anyway.

“Listen, Annabelle, you’ve been here for a week. It’s understandable that you want to carve out a place for yourself, but go easy,” he said.

Assuming we were finished, I rose from my chair. I strode to the door and turned back to say, “I’ll keep your advice in mind. Thanks.”

Miguel looked a bit nonplussed. It might have been the faint sprinkling of sarcasm in my tone. Good. It was a chickenshit move to call me into his office for a lecture without Sophie’s knowledge. They were both the chief creative officers of Vasquez Squared and supposed to be equal partners. I knew Soph would have something to say about Carson’s behavior at the happy hour. It had been clear at our lunch that she had her own issues with him.

I closed the door behind me and strode back to my office. Other staff had arrived while I was meeting with Miguel, and I forced myself to smile and nod with a levity I didn’t feel. When I passed Carson’s office, I glanced inside and met his gaze. He looked supremely satisfied with himself.

“Good meeting with the boss?” he asked. I got the feeling he’d been waiting, probably hoping to see me cry. I wondered if Miguel reminding me that I was on probation had been Carson’s idea.

“The best!” I said. I refused to look even the littlest bit flustered. If Carson thought he could derail me, he had another think coming. I sent him a beaming grin. “I love a good Monday morning pep talk, don’t you?”