"Lolita, you need to give your staff more time off," Sterling said, leaning back in his chair. The boardroom had emptied for the break, leaving only the two of them in the room.
"Why would I do that? Hard work never killed anyone," Lolita said, swirling the dark liquid in her wine glass before taking a slow, elegant sip.
"But your staff is burnt out—"
"Is there a specific reason you're playing knight in shining armour for my staff?" Lolita's eyes glared at him. "Do you know the rules regarding workplace relationships?"
"I just think they work hard enough for a break-"
"Last time I checked, your name wasn't on their contracts. Don't tell me how to run my team." Lolita said, setting her glass on the mahogany table with a sharp click.
"But they would work more efficiently at their jobs, if you gave them more time to rest-"
"If they start slacking off, I can just fire them," Lolita replied smoothly, a cold smile touching her lips. "Or send them to the camps."
"The camps?" Sterling took a step back.
"Yes, Sterling, the camps." Lolita smiled slyly. "Where did you think Maxwell went after I dismissed him? I couldn't just let a man like him go home."
"But he was loyal to you for years," Sterling stammered, horrified. "Why would you send him there?"
Lolita locked her gaze onto his. "Sterling, I can send anyone I want there. Even you. I'd mind my own business if I were you."
"But... how can you be so... so..." Sterling stammered, searching for the word.
"—Cruel?" Lolita finished for him; her sharp smile sliced through his confidence. "When you rule a country, Sterling, you can't afford to be nice. Otherwise, they don't fear you—and without fear, you have nothing."
The door opened, and Alina entered with a fresh glass of wine on a silver tray.
"Go on your break, Sterling," Lolita smirked, dismissing him with a wave. "Let me enjoy my wine. Otherwise, I might reconsider exactly where you belong."
Sterling retreated from the room, his footsteps heavy and unanchored. A cold, suffocating weight settled behind his ribs as he realized just how easily she could erase him if he ever crossed her line.