Chapter 4The Anchor’s Flight: Seven Years in the Sterling Shadow

At 7:50 AM, my Uber arrived at the Sterling Media Tower.

When I reached the 18th floor—the broadcast division—I saw Sienna Montgomery. She was wearing a bold red dress, laughing as she walked out of the Director’s office.

Before I could process it, the Director’s assistant stood up and made an announcement to the floor.

"Attention everyone. Effective immediately, Mila Thorne is being reassigned to the digital archives department."

"The prime-time anchor slot will be taken over by Sienna Montgomery. As you all know, she is an Oscar-winning actress."

Reassigned.

My brain felt like it was short-circuiting. A cold shiver climbed my spine.

The assistant gave me a pained look and added:

"This was Zane’s personal directive. The Journalist of the Year award is also being presented to Ms. Montgomery."

Zane.

Zane Sterling was the owner of Sterling Media, the largest news conglomerate in the Pacific Northwest.

I took a deep breath, fighting back the tears.

I set the tray of coffees I’d brought onto a table and smiled. "Coffees on me. Let’s call it a celebration for my new role."

Usually, my colleagues would swarm me. Today, no one moved.

Sienna stepped down from the platform, her red lips curving into a smirk.

"Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be here. I really wanted to experience a real corporate environment for my next role."

"I brought gourmet pastries and latte's for everyone. Hope we can be great friends!"

Sienna started handing out her drinks. The room immediately bustled with fake laughter.

There was no room on the table, so she picked up my thirty-two coffees and tossed them into the bin.

She turned to me, offering a single cupcake.

Her eyes were full of triumph.

"You must be Mila. So sorry about taking your desk and your trophy."

"I heard sugar helps with the mood. Do you want one? You look like you need it."

My throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton. I couldn't say a word.