Tough As Gold

About the Story

Freshly liberated from a corporate kidnapping, Oriana leaps into the ruthless world of high-powered corporate culture.

Her first gig - the one-day executive assistant to the chief brand officer, Hilda Artemis. Being the right-hand woman to a powerful Nyxazon was better than moving boxes all day, right?

But as Oriana’s day goes on, she enters a web of deceit, stubborn managers, and a showdown in the boardroom. To make matters worse, the one executive whose actions once jeopardized her very life will be there.

She Fought Her Way Out of Captivity, Now She Faces the High-Powered Boardroom.

Will Oriana survive to work another day, or will her fiery spirit turn the boardroom into a battle zone?

Tough as Gold is a sci-fi fantasy novella teeming with electrifying corporate action.

Core Themes

• Corporate Survival: Navigating the cutthroat politics, massive egos, and dangerous secrets of the high-powered executive boardrooms.
• Resilience and Grit: Pushing beyond physical soreness, past trauma, and corporate intimidation to prove one's capability.
• Identity & Transformation: Balancing Bettan aquatic instincts and golden-scaled heritage with high-stakes corporate roles.

Excerpt: The Cost of Survival

Vanessa took two room-shaking steps into Oriana’s personal space and growled at her. It was at this point that Oriana took notice of Vanessa’s set of gills, webbed feet, and claws. She also noted the heavy crate Vanessa had carried in earlier. Oriana was up against a much bigger fish in the pond.

“Good morning, all of my Super Sales Warriors,” cheered a voice.

Everyone looked up towards the doors.

A very tall female elf in a blue suit with a white shirt stood in the doorway. She had blue eyes and long blonde hair tied in a ponytail.

“Hey, Hilda,” said Vanessa.

“Hello, Vanessa.” Hilda walked inside with a confident swagger, her brown pumps clacking. Oriana had to crane her neck to look the elf in the eye. She remembered the face during the on-boarding presentation. Hilda Artemis, the chief brand officer in charge of all of Green Venture Unlimited’s brands.

“How is the big move coming along? Do you like the working space?” she asked.

“It’s too small,” said Vanessa.

“I agree, my Queen Artemis,” said Naida.

“Naida, just call her Hilda. And she’s not your queen.”

“Oh right, I mean Hilda. Sorry, Your Majesty. You’re very well regarded in the business world.” Naida cleared her throat. “I think the Macmor colony will get cramped within a month, and we will have to expand or migrate to a new one.”

Hilda nodded. “It’s the only space available for now. But it does work within my overall vision of Macmor: a group of Super Sales Warriors closely knit together so each person’s presence is felt. This way, there will be plenty of opportunities to build relationships and teamwork when facing even greater challenges and battles.” 

Hilda placed her hands on her hips, chest up—which made her look more... heroic? Maybe because her suit was suddenly snugger around the sleeves, shoulders, and chest. “Indeed, the expectations for Macmor are monstrous, and you will face bigger clients once you all are assembled.”

“I’m here, so let’s go,” said Oriana.

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