The gaslighting began after the pitch.

“What was she doing there?” Zara demanded, pacing Ethan’s office. “That was my client. My pitch. My meeting.”

Ethan leaned back, studying her with a measured look. “Julian invited her. He thinks she brings a fresh perspective. Are you okay?”

“Since when do we bring outsiders into client meetings without notifying the lead?”

Ethan sighed. “I know you’re under a lot of pressure. Maybe this isn’t as big a deal as it seems.”

Her stomach twisted. The doubt had been carefully planted, and it was steadily growing.

She could see it in Ethan’s eyes.

A few hours later, she opened LinkedIn. A new post from Nia.

“Success isn’t claimed… it is cultivated.”

The phrasing was familiar. Way too familiar. Below it, Julian had commented: Interesting thoughts, Nia. Let’s explore this further.

Zara stared at the screen for a very long time, blood pounding in her ears.

She wasn’t just being mimicked. This was a slow, calculated takeover.

Nia wasn’t just following her career. She was slowly replacing her.

~ ~ ~