"Yes, is that a problem? You don't want to?" Ryan's tone dipped slightly, carrying a hint of disappointment.

"No, no, I absolutely want to!” I quickly reassured him. "I'm just shocked that I'm lucky enough to be mentored by someone like you—"

Sylvia's earlier words echoed in my mind. She'd predicted Ryan would personally mentor me, but I hadn't believed it. I mean, I was just a rookie—how could I possibly qualify to be Ryan's associate?

"You've got potential, ...