{Hailey’s pov}
I needed a break from everything, Julian’s glare at the board meeting, Debra’s judgmental eyes, and the silence that followed every riddle I couldn’t solve. I left the office and walked toward the cafeteria to get some air. The moment I stepped in, I felt it. Eyes.
Everyone turned. People stared like I had grown a second head. Whispers rose in the corners of the room like smoke. I kept walking, pretending not to care, but I felt every single gaze, every hushed word.
I found an empty seat near the edge of the wall, a quiet spot where I could eat in peace. I ordered shrimp tacos. The smell in the Lachlan cafeteria was amazing, garlic, butter, and something sweet in the air. Honestly, for a company building, it was impressive. The place was beautiful. Gold lights hung from
