The antiseptic sting on her cheek was a fading echo, but the intensity of Michael’s gaze and the weight of his questions lingered as Linsy stepped out of his office. The sterile, air-conditioned silence of the executive floor was a jarring contrast to the emotional tempest she’d just left behind.

She had only taken a few steps when a figure launched itself from a plush waiting area chair.

"Sister-in-law!"

The word, bright and unguarded, rang out like a bell in the hushed corridor. Heads ...