Elizabeth Cole was back.
Mara found out officially on Monday morning.
A firm-wide email appeared in everyone's inbox announcing that Cole & Bennett had been retained as co-counsel on a major commercial matter. The announcement was brief and professional, listing the members of the legal team and outlining the upcoming work.
But Mara barely noticed any of it.
Her eyes stopped on one name.
Elizabeth Cole — Lead Partner.
Mara read the email twice.
Then a third time.
Her stomach tightened with every word.
She didn't look toward Sean's office.
She didn't need to.
She could already feel the entire floor quietly buzzing around her. Conversations had become softer. People were exchanging glances. A few associates were pretending to be busy while clearly trying to find out who knew what.
