o forbidden territory. She arrived early, just as she had learned to do on

choed along the polished floors. Some employees still glanced at her with thi

iced the chan

he listened more than she spoke, observed carefully, and adapted quickly. There

open office space. Conversations softened instantly.

ng in well," h

ied, her tone respec

ed away, but the exchan

rs fol

ning, the rich

ce belonged to her. Her eyes scanned the room until they landed

y, her voice carrying just enough

then continued worki

d. "Interesting choice," she added,

employees exc

his presence cutting through the te

girl replied smoothly

isrupt work," he said,

her lips tigh

onversations stopped when the heroine approached. Mistakes she had not made we

, but she d

ng, remaining calm and unshaken. Each quiet correction she

noticed

e with irritation clear on her face. Her

der paused near the heroine's desk.

surprised. "I j

moment before noddi

office felt different. The bala

ryone f