Between walls and hearts

a Simpson's modest apartment. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, brushing down the hem of her pale p

ly, betraying the confidence

, capable, and you didn't survive four years of sleepl

en determined to land her dream job. But dream jobs were elusive in a city saturated with hopefuls. Every job listing came with a tidal wave of competition

one to quit easily.

The kind of smile that said "I belong here" even when everything inside her screamed otherwise. Sh

-steel building nestled in the heart of the financial district. It was all sharp edges and gleaming surfaces

to take in the building's overwhelming height. You can do this. It'

ep breath, s

-accented chandelier that screamed wealth, and receptionists who looked like they'd steppe

art hammered

to shake. "Good morning," she said, trying to smile. "

ft motion, she checked her appointment book, nodded, and m

reflection in the mirrored walls. You don't look like

ignor

elegant office suite that felt more like a library in an old mansion, dark wood shelves lined with leather

His face, though aged, was strong and commanding. His presence filled

nning her résumé. "Graduated

," she replied,

said, leaning back in his chair. "And it's under my son, Brian. He ma

sed a brow.

eople. Especially those I send to him. He's rejecte

d in Jessica's ch

"Maybe it's time he m

uckle. "You're bold. I like that.

utton, and said, "Send her to Brian'

her nerves returned in full force. This is it.

office. "Good luck," she said flatly, a

door

was

n Whi

typed rapidly on the keyboard as he glanced briefly at her, then back to his screen. His dark brown eyes were sharp, assessing

here to apply for the assi

dn't l

Jess

ut her off coldly. "C

ked, stunned.

re time to interview you. If yo

im. Was this some kind of test? Or

. Not rage, not fury-just that deep, familiar ache o

nd said firmly, "Keep it. You might need it when y

looked up, e

n of seeing her flinch. She turned and w

Brian's smi

ver spoken to

range reason...

s intr

a half we

e second-place finishes. The city didn't care how smart or determined you

ut of that office. If anything, she

Friday morning,

ct: Jo

hitmore

Miss S

ave been selected for the position of Pe

once. Twice

Surprise. A flicker of satisfaction. An

He did need me, she th

Maybe because in that moment, it felt like

ldn't come

Whitmore Industrie

phone like a military general, barely sparing her a glance. He didn't ask if she was settling in. Didn't introduce her to

, a good one. With benefits. She cou

her phon

oice crackled thr

office, clutching he

"Why did you take

"I came the moment

, eyes sharp. "Don

ce calm. "But if you want people to work efficiently, you need

nd, the air crack

imen under a microscope. "Leave my sight," he said coldly.

a word, but inside, her ch

to focus on the files in front of her, she could

ing. S

this job was going to b