[ZACH]
The office was swamped with activity, everyone pushing hard to secure the new project after our recent loss to Caspian Black. I’d been keeping a close eye on Pearl, noticing how she worked late hours, her dedication unwavering.
She was often the last one to leave, and her effort didn't go unnoticed by me. There was something remarkable about her commitment, and it filled me with appreciation for having such a dedicated assistant.
One evening, as the clock neared 7 PM, I picked up my phone to call Julie. "Hey, honey," I said, trying to keep my voice light.
"Zach, when are you coming home?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"I’m sorry, Julie. I’ll be late tonight. We’re making a final push on this project," I explained, hoping she would understand.
"But Zach, you’ve b
