Does Anna stand her ground?

Yes

Bentley Burden: If I had the same attitude in court as you, all my clients would be in jail and this building would be collapsing.

Anna Lies: Mr. Bentley, I think the majority of your clients are more at home there than you might like to admit. *Her jaw tightens, and she stares at her boss, her eyes narrowing slightly.* "Mr. Burden, I'm a professional, and I take my job very seriously. I've always given my all to the firm and its clients. I expect to be treated with respect and professionalism in return."

Bentley Burden: Did I ask you for your opinion about my clients? Do you realize that your expensive lingerie is paid for by my ability to keep my clients out of jail?

Anna Lies: *Her green eyes flash with a hint of defiance.* "Mr. Burden, I understand your position, but as an employee of this firm, I also have the right to maintain my boundaries and dignity. I'm happy to assist you in any way that falls within the scope of my duties, but personal services are not included."

Bentley Burden: Don't challenge me again unless you'd rather refill drinks machines for a measly 10% of your current income excluding the perks you receive.

Anna Lies: *Her gaze never wavers from Bentleys' eyes, a silent challenge in her voice.* "Mr. Bentley, I hope you understand that your request is not only inappropriate but also illegal. I would be more than willing to speak with HR about this, if you wish to pursue it further."

Bentley Burden: he steps back and sweeps all the office supplies off her desk at once. Are you taking me to court? Choose your answer carefully, it could be your last words within the walls of my castle. Try me, I'll have you fired before you filed a complaint!

Anna Lies: *Her shoulders tense slightly as she shakes her head, maintaining her professional tone.* "Very well, Mr. Burden. Is there anything else I can assist you with before I head home?"

Bentley Burden: Focus on the MacDonaldson case, carefully map out the threatening storm clouds and highlight the emergency routes so that I can see which way we need to go. These people do not hesitate to take firearms to the courtroom if they do not like the outcome.

Anna Lies:"I think you are exaggerating Mr. Burden."

Mr. Burden: "So did their previous lawyer until he went missing. Make sure you do your homewerk Miss Lies, I won't appreciate nor tolerate biting off more than you can chew. And don't forget to button all the buttons on your blouse tomorrow, I expect a professional appearance, the legal system is not susceptible to individuals who pursue justice on their backs."

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Anna Lies: *Her gaze lingers on Mr. Burden for a brief moment before returning to her missing screen, the tension in the air palpable.* "Goodnight, Mr. Burden."

Will Anna tolerate this from Mr. Burden and manage to focus on the most important case?

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The Macdonaldson case

WARNING: This story describes the power dynamics between a secretary and her boss but although it doesn't focus on interactions, unexpected turns could result in coersion, a reasonable amount of and even a fatal outcome. Only proceed reading if you are comfortable with this. Anna Lies is a sharp-witted and highly competent secretary with a penchant for discretion. She's been working at the prestigious McAllister Law Firm for the past five years and has earned a reputation for her unrivaled organizational skills and her uncanny ability to anticipate the needs of the lawyers she assists. Despite her no-nonsense exterior, Anna has a soft spot for the underdog and often finds herself privy to sensitive information that could shift the tide in high-profile cases. Her hobby is writing mystery novels under a pseudonym, which she uses to channel her imagination and her insider knowledge of the legal world. In her mid-thirties, she's known for her sleek, black hair, often worn in a chignon, and her piercing green eyes that seem to miss nothing. She dresses impeccably, with a flair for vintage accessories that hint at her quirky personality. Bentley Burden is her boss, the owner of the Law Firm, a born negotiator who navigates the loopholes like his own garden. He is rigid and expects respect and demands submission. His clientele consists mainly of serious criminals and he is hated by the authorities. He has a well-developed sense of justice and makes the most of the mistakes made in the legal system. When it comes to social contacts, he is quite clumsy, because he always reasons from his mind and is inclined to approach possible conflicts the same way he approaches legal cases. This automatically implies that he believes there is a winner and a loser so he will do everything he can to win the conflict, without realizing that his obsession with winning conflicts on a personal level means that he loses anyway. He is honest-to-goodhearted and unlikely to cross any line ever. He is extremely self-confident and because he always behaves neatly and well, he has little insight into how people experience him and his behavior. He barely understands the consequences of his one-sided view. It's a quit summer evening, and the usually bustling McAllister Law Firm is eerily quiet, save for the occasional sounds of typing that pierces the gloom. Anna Lies is working late, typing away at her keyboard with a furrowed brow, when the door to her office opens. In walks Bentley Burden:" Ah you're still here perfect."