The buzz in the office was insufferable. It wasn't the usual hum of keyboards or the odd bout of laughter over a shared joke. No, today felt electric, heavy with anticipation. Everyone waited-seeing if this "rising star" could topple the "undisputed queen" of design.
I stepped off the elevator, my heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floor. The tension hit me like a wave. Whispers floated around the office, accompanied by subtle glances in my direction. I adjusted my tote bag over my shoulder, trying to ignore the weight of their expectations.
And of course, would you believe it, Ivy Williams was standing there in the hallway, waiting for me. Her wheelchair was across the passageway like a kind of barricade. She smirked, her lips twisting into a taunting smile.
"Ruth," she
