The HR Nightmare

by Mike Grooby · January 21, 2026

Ashley sat behind her desk, her perfectly polished nails tapping against the ceramic rim of her white coffee cup. The office was quiet except for the hum of her laptop and the late-evening buzz of the city outside. A faint scent of espresso and printer paper hung in the air. Then came the soft knock. One—pause—two. Ashley didn’t have to look up; she already knew that rhythm. Jade. When Jade stepped in, her expression carried that mix of guilt and charm that had become her trademark. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, eyes darting between Ashley and the fake plant in the corner as if it could save her.