Back on the main executive floor, the silence around her shifted. It was sharper now. Clara could feel the change—not just in herself, but in the air. People stared as she passed. Not openly. No, these were practiced professionals. But she caught the glances from the corners of their eyes. The murmurs. The curiosity is brewing like a storm.
She’d gone into the lion’s den and walked back out in one piece.
That meant something.
It also made her a target.
Marianne wasted no time.
By noon, Clara had been handed three portfolios to sort, a full calendar of upcoming events to color-code, and a rundown of Wolfe Enterprises’ internal style code which was less about dressing well and more about broadcasting status without looking like you tried.
Clara already knew she didn’t measure up in th
