Poolside Revelations

The corporate retreat had been Elena's idea—a pathetic attempt to boost morale after the layoffs. She stood by the pool at sunset, nursing her third gin and tonic, watching her colleagues play padel on the court below. Their laughter echoed across the water, hollow and desperate.

"You're not playing?" Elena jumped, nearly spilling her drink. Marcus stood behind her, wearing that stupid Panama hat he'd donned at every outdoor function since his promotion last year. His graying hair still looked perfect, even in the humidity.

"Not in the mood," she said, turning away.

"The merger announcement is tomorrow." Marcus stepped closer. "I wanted to thank you for recommending me for the VP position."

Elena's stomach tightened. She'd done nothing of the sort. Someone had forged her recommendation letter, and somehow Marcus had gotten the position she'd spent fifteen years earning.

A cat appeared from nowhere—a scrappy tabby that must belong to the resort. It brushed against Elena's leg, then sat and stared at Marcus with narrowed eyes, as if seeing something Elena hadn't noticed until this moment.

"That's funny," she said slowly. "I never wrote that letter, Marcus."

His smile faltered. The Panama hat seemed to tremble slightly on his head. "What?"

"HR sent me a copy this morning. My signature wasn't even close." Elena watched him carefully. "They're launching an investigation."

The cat suddenly hissed and bolted. Marcus's face went pale beneath his tan. "I—I don't know what you're—"

"Save it." Elena set down her drink. "I'm going to enjoy watching you explain yourself to the board tomorrow."

She walked toward the pool, where the water reflected the last purple light of day. The padel game had stopped. Everyone was watching now. Elena smiled, thinking how sometimes the most satisfying victories don't happen on the court at all.