Vivian woke early.
Her alarm hadn't gone off yet, and the sky outside had only just begun to lighten when she opened her eyes.
It was her first day at work.
Excitement buzzed through her entire body. For the first time in years, she felt full of energy.
She arrived at the company around 8:30 a.m.
No one was at reception yet, so she sat on a nearby sofa and waited.
A moment later, the revolving doors at the entrance turned as someone came into the lobby.
At almost the same moment, a man in a dark suit stepped out of the elevator. Tall and straight-backed, he looked sharp and composed, with an effortless air of authority.
His steps were unhurried.
As he passed reception, he suddenly stopped and looked at Vivian.
"Ms. Mercer?"
Ethan actually remembered her name.
Vivian stood immed
