Chapter 12: A New Step Above Secrets
"Good morning, Miss Claire. It’s good to see you back."
Claire froze in the doorway of Central Café. The greeting did not come from a coworker who used to bully her. It came from a sturdy man in a neat suit standing guard near the entrance. Claire blinked, looking around at the café’s interior, which had changed completely overnight. The dull, drama-filled atmosphere of yesterday was gone, replaced by an elegant minimalist design that exuded high-end luxury.
Several of her coworkers who used to glance at her with disdain now stood straight, straightening their new uniforms. As soon as they saw Claire, they bowed respectfully with very cautious expressions. There were no more mocking laughs or dismissive whispers.
"Why are you all looking at me like
