Bella's POV
Monday mornings had always filled me with dread, but today carried an unexpected lightness. Walking through the glass doors of the corporate building, I didn't feel the familiar urge to disappear into the shadows. Silas had returned to headquarters for the week. That single fact felt like a gift from above. The entire branch seemed to exhale collectively, the oppressive atmosphere that usually suffocated every corridor finally lifting.
The elevator hummed softly as it carried me to the ninth floor. When the doors parted, I stepped out clutching my usual stack of folders against my chest. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the break room down the hall.
"Good morning, Gemma," the receptionist called out cheerfully.
"Morning," I responded with a gentle smile, pushing my thick-rimmed glasses up my nose.
