Ruby's words landed hard. The room went quiet.
This wasn't a junior employee speaking out of turn. She had openly challenged a Knight.
Everyone felt the tension tighten. Even if Carter was wrong, most of them thought Ruby could have handled it more carefully.
"Your permission?" Carter sneered. "Ruby Anderson, this is a staffing decision within the Knight Group. What you want doesn't matter."
"Then, what about Dr. N's opinion?" Ruby replied lightly. Her tone edged with sarcasm.
Carter stiffened.
What does Dr. N have to do with her?
The thought unsettled him.
Don't tell me she knows Dr. N.
Ruby's lips curved into a slow smile. She began to say, "I am..."
But before she could finish, Chris stepped in front of her.
"I'm with our team lead," Chris said.
Ruby's eyes widened as she tu
