Chapter 5
Monday morning brought a cold, gray drizzle that matched the mood inside the corporate headquarters of Sterling Financial. Elena walked through the glass double doors of the accounting department, her posture straight, wearing a simple navy blazer and trousers that felt like armor. Whispers followed her down the carpeted hallway; word of the incident at the charity gala had spread through the office grapevine faster than wildfire. Colleagues avoided her gaze, staring intently at their computer screens as she passed. At the end of the row sat Julian’s office, the frosted glass door currently shut tight. Elena walked straight to her cubicle, sat down at her desk, and powered on her computer. She didn't have to wait long before her phone rang with a sharp, demanding buzz. It was an internal call from human resources, requesting her presence on the tenth floor immediately. Elena took a slow, steadying breath, closed her spreadsheet, and stood up. As she rode the elevator upward, she watched the floor numbers tick past, feeling the cool metallic air of the corporate building settle around her. When the doors slid open, she stepped out onto the plush carpet of the executive suite without a trace of hesitation. Whatever they were planning to throw at her, she was ready to catch it.
