Clara stood outside Adrian's office, her hand raised to knock. She had rehearsed what she wanted to say three times in the elevator, but the words still felt inadequate. The rumors were spreading faster than she had anticipated. The whispers had followed her through every corridor, every meeting, every coffee break. She was used to being talked about women in power always were but this felt different. This felt personal.She knocked."Come in."Adrian was at his desk, his laptop open, his expression dark. When he saw Clara, his face shifted—surprise, then concern, then something softer that he quickly masked."Clara." He stood immediately. "I wasn't expecting you.""I know. I should have called ahead." She stepped into the office, and Adrian gestured for his assistant to bring coffee. Clara started to decline, but Adrian held up a hand."You look like you need caffeine. Please. Sit."Clara sat. The coffee arrived moments later, and she wrapped her hands around the warm cup, letting th
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