Chapter 41: Public Scrutiny
Adeline walked into the office the next day, trying to project an air of normalcy. The morning sun streamed through the tall glass windows of the building, casting a warm glow on the bustling office floor. She had dressed carefully, choosing a pale blue blouse and black slacks, hoping to blend into the background. She needed today to be just another ordinary day at work.
But the moment she stepped into the elevator, she could sense something was off. Colleagues who usually greeted her with smiles were now giving her furtive glances, whispering to each other as the elevator ascended. Her stomach tightened with unease, but she forced herself to smile and nod politely, praying it was nothing.
As she walked down the hallway to her desk, the whispers grew louder.
