Chapter 31

Ava glided into the office, the crisp lines of her navy-blue pantsuit perfectly accentuating her professionalism. With a smile that typically lit up the room, she greeted her colleagues, yet today, her cheerful hello was met with an eerie silence.

Undeterred, she settled into her tasks, completely engrossed in her work. Her dedication was unmatched, her attention so absorbed that she failed to notice the myriad of eyes following her every move. Some gazed with admiration at her efficiency, while others harbored curiosity, puzzled by the unusual aura around her.

Midday arrived swiftly, and as Ava finally allowed herself a moment's reprieve, her phone jolted to life, breaking the silence of her solitary lunch. Bryan's urgent voice pierced through the receiver, requesting her immediate presence in his office.

A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach as Ava navigated the maze of cubicles toward Bryan's quarters. The bustling office felt unusually tense, a vibe she couldn't quite pi