Chapter 15: Just how capable

**Third person**

"Good day, ma'am," Val greeted, her eyes quickly scanning the office while Karen stood by the window, backing Valerie.

The office was dramatically different from what she remembered; everything, from the paintings to the furniture, was white. It was Karen's signature color, and she had an eye for detail.

This office had once belonged to one of Adam's friends, and for a fleeting moment, Val wondered why she hadn't seen him around.

“I heard you did well with the project?” Karen asked, then glanced at Valerie briefly before returning her eyes to the window.

“Yes, ma'am,” Valerie replied, unsure of where the conversation was leading.

“That's great, then." Karen nodded, then spun around to face Val. "I'd like you to work on something for me too.”

Val looked up at Karen, stunned.

“Why?” Karen raised a brow at Valerie's facial expression. “You don't want to?”

“N-no, ma'am,” Val stuttered.

Then Karen's lips curled into a sly smile. “Okay good. You can go for now; I'll let