He assumes Amara is simply unfamiliar with the office.
“If you're new, learn how this place works.”
Amara picks up her notebook from where he threw it.
She places it carefully on the desk.
Then she looks at him.
“Don't tell me where I belong.”
Marcus laughs.
“Then maybe stop acting like you run the place.”
Amara takes one deliberate step toward him.
Her voice becomes quieter.
“You have no idea who you're talking to.”
Marcus shakes his head.
“Apparently, neither do you.”
The exchange attracts attention from several employees nearby.
Nobody interrupts.
Amara notices that.
She is learning something important.
People are watching.
But no one wants to challenge Marcus.
He has been there long enough to become comfortable with his authority.
Amara doesn't react emotionally.
Instead, she asks one simple question:
“How long have you worked here?”
Marcus answers proudly.
“Eleven years.”
Amara nods.
“Then you've had eleven years to learn the difference between confidence and entitlement.”
Marcus's expression hardens.
The atmosphere becomes silent.
He doesn't appreciate the correction.
And he certainly doesn't know who gave it.
A few minutes later, Amara walks into a conference room for her first leadership meeting.
Marcus is already there.
He takes a seat and notices her entering.