Anaya stood by the window, her fingers lightly tracing the cold glass, her thoughts far from the present moment. The city lights below twinkled like stars, so distant, so unreachable. Just like her dreams had once been.

Rivan’s words earlier that day still echoed in her mind. "You’ll need to work harder if you want to prove your worth in this company." She wasn’t sure if it was the cold tone or the sharpness of his gaze that had stung the most.