The next morning, Winter arrived at the office, but something felt off. The atmosphere was noticeably tenser than usual.
Back when no one knew who she truly was, it had been easier to move through the halls unnoticed. She could do her work without drawing attention, without whispers trailing behind her. But now that her relationship with Kalix was out in the open, everything had changed. People were more guarded, their smiles more forced, their words carefully chosen.
It was as if the entire office was holding its breath around her.
Taking her seat at her desk, Winter glanced over at Mia, who was unusually silent—her eyes fixed on the screen, fingers moving stiffly. There was no cheerful greeting, no warm smile like always. Just a quiet tension that hadn't been there before.
"Mia," Winter called softly.
Mia's head snapped up immediately. "Yes, ma'am?" she replied, almost too fast, her posture straightening like she was waiting for orders.
