Cortex, Rooftop.

Vanessa, along with the staff and Mariah, enjoyed beer and fried chicken on the rooftop, discussing dreams and watching the night sky.

That night, they didn’t bring up work even once; it felt like they all had an unspoken understanding.

They talked about life, ideals, grievances, and indulged in gossip.

Eventually, the gossip turned to Vanessa herself, and the employees curiously asked if Luca and Cassandra were really a couple.

She neither confirmed nor denied it, ...