Chapter Twelve: Degrading Experience

Celine A seat had been reserved for me at the head of the table as I joined the meeting with the Upper Echelon. It was a huge honor to be invited to lunch with them. Only a few CEOs had had this opportunity, and most of them had been exceptional with remarkable records. It was a huge privilege to be part of this gathering, which was typically an all-male gathering. The Upper Echelon comprised the most connected and powerful individuals in the business world. My presence here could have been a miracle, as I would be the first woman to be invited to a gathering like this. My efforts to be recognized beyond my gender were paying off after all. I walked in with confident and calculated strides toward them, plastering a polite smile on my face. "Director Holden," Mr. Marshall, sitting at the first end to where I would be sitting, welcomed me with a smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." "I'm honored to be here, Sir." We exchanged respectful nods, and he nodded to the emp