The Red Cloak in the Corporate Woods

Once upon a time, there was a bright-eyed young professional named Red.

She joined the company with energy, ambition, and a heart full of purpose. Her red cloak wasn’t just a fashion choice — it was a symbol of her boldness, her courage, and the values she wore proudly on her sleeve.

One day, her manager — let’s call him Mr. Wolfe — noticed her shine.

He didn’t roar or bark orders. No, Wolfe was warm. Curious. “I believe in you,” he’d say, “You’re different. Special.” He flattered her ideas. Made her feel chosen.

He asked questions — not to know her, but to map her. Where do you feel insecure? Who do you trust? What drives you?

And Red, believing in mentorship, opened up.

Slowly, the path through the company forest began to twist.

Meetings were missed.
Credit was misdirected.
Decisions were made without her.

When Red voiced concern, Wolfe smiled gently. “You’re overthinking. Maybe you’re too sensitive. Just focus on the big picture.”

Her red cloak began to feel… heavy. Like maybe it was too much. Like maybe she was too much.

One day, she walked into a meeting — and found her own ideas dressed up in Wolfe’s words, earning him praise from the very people he told her not to speak to.

And when she looked around for someone to speak up? No one saw it.

Because the charm had done its job.
Because the manipulation had worked.

Red wasn’t in her story anymore.
She was in his.

Moral of the Story:
Not all wolves howl.
Some shake your hand, nod at your brilliance, and quietly write you out of your own narrative.

Spot them early.
Trust your instincts.
Keep your cloak on — and your story yours.