-POV Derby
The rest of the day dragged on until exactly 3:17 PM when the elevator on my floor dinged and Tamara Hayden stepped out.
She moved through the open office like the space had been waiting for her. Cream silk blouse draped perfectly across her shoulders, tailored beige trousers that fell in clean lines, and soft waves of hair that caught the light just right. Everything about her looked expensive without trying too hard. Her smile came easy, warm and gentle, the kind that made you want to smile back even when your stomach was already twisting.
She walked straight to my desk, heels clicking softly against the floor. I stood up before she reached me, heart already beating faster than it should.
“Derby Odellia,” she said, her voice smooth and pleasant. “I’ve been meaning to intro
