The Next Week - Late Night Research

As always, soon after any of his sexual exploits, everything returns to normalcy and his targets act like nothing had just happened. They show no fear or subservience to Dev, and only treat him as they would any other new trainee. It was only if he ever brought it up to his targets again that they remembered whether to be threatened by, or subservient to, him.

This was evident a week later, now in Dev's third week at the firm. He had just finished researching on the tax implications of a company purchasing partly and wholly commercial property. He put his work on Shannon's desk and went out to lunch. Upon returning Shannon brought his work back up to him and said, loudy enough to grab the attention of everyone in the department, "What is this, Dev?"

"The research note you asked for, Shannon."Dev said candidly, "Hope it's all okay. I've listed the Lexis references I used and used subheadings I felt best communicated the more material points to the client."

"I'm not sure you listened to my instructions because this isn't what I had asked for." Shannon tore his work up in half, and then tore it again. The ripping noise silenced the room. "I'm going to email you clear instructions this time. I know you're still early into the Training Contract but I expected better. And in case you forgot, I still need this done by tomorrow for our meeting." And without another word she left the room.

The others in the room either stayed quiet or approached Dev and told him Shannon was always like that. She acted bubbly and positive but she can be bitchy about how demaning she sometimes was. Two-faced lawyer, who would have thought. Dev was frustrated at Shannon but knew she was too high up the ranks for his powers to work on her. Even more than that, he was frustrated his work wasn't good enough - he'd spent hours on it just for it to get ripped up in front of him. What did I even do wrong?

An hour later, Shannon's email came through, listing what she needed. Dev went through and noticed what he had overloked - a simple mistake but one that would cost him the whole evening. He texted Aisha to let her know what had happened at that he might have to do an all-nighter at work. She responded with a supportive message. Dev smiled, realising she does still care for him. He wished she would show that in her actions more often.

"Could you send me a pic of yourself to get me through the night, y'know, motivate me? :3"

"Ugh, this again. You're a big time lawyer now and you still only think about sex?" A minute passed. "I'll see you tonight, and I'm gonna pretend you didn't ask me for that."

Dev felt mad, but not disappointed. He held no expectation from a prude like her. Besides, he was getting his fill from the females of the firm. Hours passed and he continued working into the evening until he checked to see it was 8pm. Feeling a bit winded, he thought it might be a good time to take a break and go to the firm's cafeteria for some food. But then again, maybe if he powered through, he could finish early by visiting the library on the 2nd floor and getting the last few bits of his research sorted.