#business intelligence

People born with Gemini and Virgo ascendants should not have a strong Mars in their chart. Since Mars is an enemy of Mercury, it should not be strong. This is because Mercury is a planet of intelligence and believes that the brain can do everything, while Mars represents physical activity and does not rely on intelligence. Mars is always hasty, but Mercury is always calculative.

The one true way of becoming successful is beating competition. Opportunities are scarce and they are many smart people vying for the same opportunity as you are. To beat competition you have to be at the intersection of your multiple interests.

Beat your competition

Figure out your competition: The truth is you are not competiting with the entire world. If you are a business major, you cannot compete with an impressionist painter. You are competiting with a smaller number of people who are business thinkers, consultants, venture capitalist, entrepreneurs etc because that is your field which in and of itself is very competitive.

Acknowledge your weaknesses: You need to figure out what your weaknesses are and work your way around it. As much as you want to do the things you are good at, you also want to do things that are not so good at. Especially if you need those skills in the nearest future. My weakness is public speaking, and I have resolved to put myself in situations where I have to speak, share my thoughts, or lead a team. Now, my first job may not require me to speak, however, I could see myself pitching a business idea to a punch of VC investors in future and I need to be able to convey my ideas in very comprehensible way,

Compound your knowledge: Make daily efforts to work towards improving what you already know and learning more. We admire people who are knowledgeable but no one wakes up with an incredible about of knowledge bestowed on them. So you ahve got to make the effort to slowly build and watch how much you would have learned after a given period.

Build leverage: It is the leverage you build that will make you stand out from the crowd. Leverage could come in form of social capital (the people you know) or experiential capital (the unique things you have done). Both will go along way. So this is the right time to take advantage of networking, build connections with people whose work or lifestyle you admire. Experiences makes you a good story teller. Did you have a startup that failed to meet customer's need? Did you volunteer in Croatia in your sophomore year? People want to know.

Be value-driven: You want to build a reputation as someone who provides value to others. Do you go the extra mile at work? Are you known to make the best presentation? Are you an optimistic person on the team? Do you check on others periodically? Being value driven makes networking or professional relationships less one-sided. People will take note of you and become fond of putting your name into places you never knew you could get into.

More than a Puzzle | Mycroft Holmes

Chapter 18

Mycroft Holmes x OC

Words: 2.653

Dive into the world of Mina, Mycroft, and all the twists and turns of their journey.

Explore their lives, challenges, and the deep connection that grows between them.

Summary - Chapter-index

Mina’s eyes fluttered open to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Her body was warm, wrapped in the comforting embrace of Mycroft’s, his arm possessively draped over her waist. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back, the soft exhale of his breath fanning across her neck. The closeness, the weight of his body next to hers, felt perfect.

Her gaze drifted downward, and her fingers instinctively brushed over the beautiful ring that now adorned her finger. A smile tugged at her lips as she took in the significance of the moment. The ring was a promise, a mark of the love they had come to share. A promise of forever.

She shifted slightly, careful not to disturb Mycroft, but the motion didn’t go unnoticed. His grip tightened, pulling her closer, his hand caressing her side slowly, almost as if savoring the feeling of her skin against his.

"Mina," he murmured sleepily, his voice deep and raspy with the remnants of sleep. His lips brushed against her shoulder as he spoke, his breath warm against her skin. His fingers gently traced the curve of her body, from her waist to the soft swell of her hips, as if memorizing the feel of her beneath his touch.

She didn’t mind. In fact, it sent a thrill of warmth through her, the way he touched her, the way he claimed her with such possessiveness. It felt right. It felt as if this was where she was always meant to be.

Mycroft’s hand slid upwards, gently cupping her breast, his thumb brushing over her skin in a way that made her body respond to him instinctively. His movements were slow, tender, and filled with a need she had never seen from him before, yet it wasn’t frantic. It was filled with the quiet, constant understanding that he cared for her deeply.

"Good morning," he whispered softly against her skin, pressing a gentle kiss to her neck. "I think this is what I’ve been waiting for, Mina."

She turned her head slightly to face him, her lips meeting his in a kiss that was soft, lingering, and filled with the quiet promises of a future together. There were no words needed—he knew exactly what she was feeling, just as she knew what he was thinking. His hand moved to gently cup her face, pulling her closer, as if he couldn't get enough of her.

The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the soft, intimate sounds of their breathing and the gentle, slow rhythm of their hearts beating in sync. Mycroft was never one for spontaneous emotions or grand displays of affection, but with her, he was different. He had let go of the control that he had always prided himself on. With her, he was simply a man in love.

"You're everything to me," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and filled with sincerity. "I never thought I could feel like this about anyone. But you’ve shown me what it means to truly love."

Mina's heart skipped a beat, her eyes glistening with the depth of her emotions. She had known from the very beginning that there was something special about her connection with Mycroft. But now, hearing him express his feelings so openly, she realized how much she had changed him, just as much as he had changed her.

She reached up, her fingers brushing through his hair as she pulled him into another kiss, this one filled with all the passion and love she felt for him. She had never imagined herself in a relationship like this, with someone who was as complex and guarded as Mycroft. But now, it felt as if this was the only place she ever truly belonged.

With a final, deep kiss, they held each other in silence, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And with that promise, they fell back into the quiet comfort of their shared embrace, letting the morning pass by unnoticed, lost in each other’s arms.

As Mina and Mycroft stepped into the dining room, the comforting aroma of breakfast filled the air, mingling with the chatter of the Holmes family. Mycroft’s mother and father were already seated at the table, their expressions warm and approving. It was as though they had been waiting for this moment, for the two of them to come together as they had. The entire room seemed to exude a kind of warmth, something Mycroft was not always accustomed to, but today, it felt just right.

"Good morning, dears," his mother greeted warmly, eyes flickering between them. "Did you sleep well?"

Mina felt a slight flush creep up her neck, but Mycroft, ever composed, merely gave a curt nod. "Quite well, Mother."

Mina’s eyes briefly met Mycroft’s as they exchanged a quiet, affectionate glance. She couldn’t help but smile. This was different from anything she had experienced before. The Holmes family—his family—welcomed her with open arms, and she couldn’t shake the sense of belonging that she had never quite expected to feel.

However, as soon as they sat down at the table, there was an unmistakable presence in the room: Sherlock—who was leaning back lazily in his chair, sipping tea with that insufferable smirk—cleared his throat dramatically.

“Ah, there they are,” Sherlock drawled, sipping his tea. “Finally decided to join the land of the living, did you?”

"Well, well," he drawled, setting his cup down with a deliberate clink. "I must say, dear brother, for someone who prides himself on discretion and keeping his private life under strict control, last night was... rather telling."

Mycroft shot his younger brother a withering glare as he pulled out a chair for Mina, who bit back a smile. She had anticipated some teasing, but Sherlock seemed particularly entertained this morning.

He, deciding to play along, sat down gracefully and raised a brow at Sherlock. "Oh? And what exactly are you implying?"

Sherlock leaned forward, fingers steepled under his chin, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I’m implying that certain... sounds of enthusiasm were rather difficult to ignore."

Mina nearly choked on the tea she had just sipped, her cheeks heating, while Mycroft set his teacup down with an exasperated sigh.

"Must you always be insufferable, Sherlock?" Mycroft muttered, his tone sharp but laced with resignation.

Their mother, ever the refined woman, gave Sherlock a pointed look before calmly taking a bite of her toast. "Sherlock, do behave," she chided, though there was clear amusement in her tone. "Honestly, it’s about time Mycroft found someone who can keep up with him. We are all quite pleased."

Their father nodded in agreement, casting Mina a warm smile. "Indeed. It’s rare to see Mycroft truly happy, and we have you to thank for that, my dear."

Mina felt her heart swell at the sincerity in their voices. It was one thing for Mycroft to show his affection privately, but to hear that his family approved of her meant more than she expected.

Sherlock, however, wasn’t going to let his brother off so easily. “Come on, Mycroft, tell me—how’s it feel knowing your precious assistant is now a permanent fixture in your life? Not that I mind, of course,” he continued with a mocking grin. “It’s about time someone managed to get you to show some emotion. And I suppose you’ve found the right person to torment for the rest of your life.”

Mina, ever the good sport, laughed softly at Sherlock’s teasing, finding amusement in the dynamic between the brothers. She could tell that, despite his playful jabs, there was a sense of affection in Sherlock’s tone—his own way of showing that he approved of her and, in his own way, of their relationship.

Mycroft didn’t seem too fazed by Sherlock’s remarks, though. He shifted slightly in his seat and looked at Mina with a fondness that made her heart flutter. “Ignore him,” Mycroft said, his voice calm and steady. “He enjoys getting a reaction, and I’m more than happy to deny him the pleasure.”

Mina chuckled, feeling at ease. “I can handle it. Besides, I’m used to brothers by now,” she said with a wink at Sherlock, who raised an eyebrow in mock surprise.

“I’m just glad you two are getting along,” Mycroft’s mother, Mrs. Holmes, interjected with a warm smile. “We’ve been waiting for this. You both bring out something in each other that’s... rather wonderful.”

Mycroft’s father, a quiet and observant man, nodded in agreement. His approval was evident in the way he regarded Mina with a respectful nod, as though he had quietly assessed the bond they shared and was pleased with the outcome.

Mycroft, still a bit tense from the teasing, finally leaned back in his chair, allowing the conversation to move forward. “Well, I suppose if Sherlock is done giving unsolicited advice, we can focus on the more important matters.”

Sherlock’s smirk never left his face, but he took the hint and turned his attention to his food. “Alright, alright,” he said with a feigned pout. “I suppose I’ll give you both some space. Just don’t take too long to admit how happy you are. I’m already getting sick of waiting.”

Mina laughed again, finding a sense of comfort in the way Mycroft’s family interacted. She wasn’t used to the kind of lighthearted teasing that seemed to come so naturally to them, but she was starting to enjoy it. It felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged, a space where she didn’t have to hide anything—where she could just be herself.

As the conversation shifted to other topics and the meal began in earnest, Mina couldn’t help but glance at Mycroft. There was something about the way he was watching her—something deeper than just his usual reserved demeanor. It was as if, in that moment, he was quietly cherishing the bond they shared. It wasn’t just about his family’s approval, or even the teasing from Sherlock—it was about the way he looked at her as if she was his world.

And for the first time, Mina realized that maybe she was.

As Mina zipped up her bag, ready to head back, a sudden realization struck her. She gasped softly, earning a curious glance from Mycroft. 

"I completely forgot," she muttered, shaking her head. "I didn’t give you or Sherlock your presents!" 

A ghost of a smirk tugged at Mycroft’s lips. "I wasn’t aware you were required to give my insufferable brother a gift."

Mina rolled her eyes but smiled as she dug into her suitcase, finally pulling out two carefully wrapped gifts—one for Mycroft, one for Sherlock. 

Just as she turned, Sherlock strolled into the room, his coat lazily slung over his arm. "Did I hear something about presents?" 

Mina smirked. "Yes, but if you don’t want yours—" 

Sherlock snatched the small, rectangular box from her hands before she could finish. "Don’t be ridiculous." 

He tore off the paper with surprising enthusiasm, revealing a sleek, leather-bound notebook with his initials embossed on the front. His sharp gaze took in every detail—the high-quality pages, the fine craftsmanship. 

Mina tilted her head. "It’s for all your deductions. I noticed your old one was falling apart." 

For a moment, Sherlock was quiet. Then, he closed the notebook, tucking it into his coat pocket with a satisfied nod. "Acceptable." 

Mina chuckled. "I’ll take that as a ‘thank you.’" 

Sherlock smirked but didn’t deny it. 

Turning to Mycroft, she handed him a slightly larger box. His movements were slower, more deliberate as he unwrapped it. Inside was a beautifully crafted pocket watch, its polished surface catching the light. He turned it over, noticing the inscription on the back. 

"Time may be predictable, but love is not."

For a moment, Mycroft simply stared at it, running his thumb over the words. 

"You always claim to have control over time," Mina said softly, "but I wanted to remind you that some things are meant to be unexpected." 

Sherlock let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, how utterly sentimental. If you two are going to start reciting poetry, let me know so I can leave." 

Mina shot him a look before turning back to Mycroft. He was still staring at the watch, his expression unreadable—until he finally met her gaze. 

"This is… thoughtful," he said quietly, his voice carrying a rare warmth. 

"Do you like it?" she asked. 

Instead of answering with words, he leaned down and kissed her—a slow, deliberate kiss that spoke volumes. When he pulled back, there was the faintest hint of emotion in his usually composed features. 

Sherlock cleared his throat loudly. "Right, well. Now that we’ve all had our moment, can we finally leave?" 

Mina laughed, shaking her head. Mycroft carefully placed the watch in his inner coat pocket, right over his heart, before taking Mina’s hand. "Let’s go home," he murmured. 

And with that, they left, Christmas warmth still lingering in their hearts.

The ride back to their destination was a rather interesting one, some would say.

Mycroft, behind the wheel, kept his eyes focused on the road, his knuckles gripping the steering wheel just a little too tightly.

Mina sat in the passenger seat next to him, her attention divided between the conversation in the back and the beautiful city passing by outside the window. Sherlock, naturally, had shifted his focus entirely onto her as soon as they’d gotten into the car.

"So, Mina," he began, drawing out her name in a way that made Mycroft’s grip on his umbrella tighten. "Tell me—what was it exactly that made you fall for my oh-so-charming brother?" 

Mina smirked, casting a sideways glance at Mycroft, who exhaled through his nose, already regretting the ride home. "Well," she mused, tilting her head in thought. "It wasn’t his arrogance, that’s for sure." 

Sherlock let out a bark of laughter. Mycroft’s jaw tightened. 

"But," Mina continued, "I suppose it was his mind first. His brilliance. And then, little by little, the moments he let me see beyond the sharp intellect. The man who cares more deeply than he admits, who watches over those he values in his own way." She turned fully toward Mycroft now, her voice softer. "That’s what made me love him." 

Mycroft looked at her then, his expression unreadable—except for the faintest flicker of warmth in his eyes. 

Sherlock hummed thoughtfully. "Interesting. So, you like that he broods and secretly cares. And yet, you work with me sometimes, which means you enjoy excitement and chaos." He leaned back with a knowing smirk. "Quite the contradiction, wouldn’t you say?" 

Mina chuckled. "Or maybe I just like a challenge." 

Mycroft cleared his throat pointedly, giving Sherlock a sharp look. "And what about you, dear brother? Have you finally decided to meddle in my affairs simply because you lack an engaging case?" 

Sherlock smirked. "Oh, Mycroft. You wound me. Can’t a brother simply be curious about his future sister-in-law?" 

"You are incapable of simple curiosity," Mycroft deadpanned. 

Mina, enjoying the exchange, leaned back and crossed her arms. "I don’t mind the questions," she said with a teasing glance at Mycroft. "It’s quite entertaining watching you get riled up, to be honest." 

Mycroft sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I fear this is the beginning of a very long ordeal." 

Sherlock grinned. "Oh, undoubtedly. But at least she’ll keep you on your toes." 

Mina laughed, and despite himself, Mycroft couldn’t help but feel that, perhaps, this new chapter of his life—chaotic as it was bound to be—would be more fulfilling than he had ever imagined.

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