The glass lobby of Helwart & Co. gleamed like a cathedral of polished steel and marble, sunlight spilling in through the towering windows. Employees passed briskly across the floor, heels clacking, voices hushed, while the receptionist kept her professional smile fixed tight, though her eyes betrayed the faint irritation of a routine that had repeated itself for days.

And there she was again; Ceci, standing at the counter, clutching a thermos box like it was the last thing tethering her to ...