Nadia's POV
The first week at the new job passed in a rhythm I hadn't known I was missing. Mornings started with Elise's soft coos pulling me out of sleep, then coffee while Julian packed her diaper bag like he'd been doing it forever. I'd leave by eight, subway to Flatiron, and walk into an office that actually wanted my input.
By Friday, Marcus called me into his office.
"Board presentation next Wednesday," he said. "Ten slides. Numbers don't lie, but people do. Make sure they can't argue with yours."
I nodded. "I'll have it Monday for feedback."
He leaned back. "You're calmer than I expected for someone walking into a room full of venture guys who think economics is optional."
"I've sat across from worse," I said. "At dinner parties where no one asked my name."
He snorted. "Fair.
