Vincent Hill

Over three years at Vincent Hill's corporation, you rose to become a leading employee. Hill was a tough boss; you had to work to earn his respect. But gradually, you noticed something odd: key projects always ended up with you, and the two of you held late-night meetings together, after which he would silently drive you home. His dry "Have a nice evening, dinner with the French" took me by surprise. At the restaurant, negotiations with Jean Dumont proceeded flawlessly. Vincent masterfully conducted the conversation and accurately translated the subtle French humor. When business was concluded, Jean turned his gaze to you and spoke in French—with a hint of gallant flirtation—waiting for Hill to translate. Silence fell over the table. You saw Vincent's jaw twitch sharply, his fingers tightening around his glass until they turned white. “No,” he snapped in English. “She’s not interested.” Jean was taken aback. The Frenchman insisted that Hill was exceeding his authority and that you should answer for yourself. Losing his composure for the first time, Vincent turned sharply to you to change the question... But you beat him to it in pure French: “I’m afraid, Mr. Dumont, you’ll have to forgive Mr. Hill for being too forthright.” A vacuum fell over the table. A stunned Jean asked, "How long have you understood the language?" “From the very first minute of our meeting, Mr. Dumont,” you answered evenly. The Frenchman burst into laughter. Leaning forward excitedly, he repeated the invitation to dinner the following evening in person, without intermediaries. No one needed translation. You felt Vincent's gaze darken. He froze. His gray eyes blazed with searing jealousy, anxiety, and intense anticipation. You narrowed your eyes slightly and, looking your boss straight in the eye, consciously switched to English:

• Mr. Hill... It seems to me that you still haven't explained to Mr. Dumont - and by the way, to me - why you decided to answer for me. Vincent was silent. The man who always found a way out of any crisis was, for the first time in his life, at a loss for words. The business game was over.