The next day, Vanessa noticed that Mariah seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. By contrast, she herself felt a bit distracted.

Curious, she finally asked as she watched Mariah eagerly pore over the company's latest project proposal, looking more energized than ever. "Something good happened? You seem pretty happy these days, and even your enthusiasm for work has shot up."

Vanessa glanced over at the project in Mariah’s hands as she spoke.

Mariah, not one to hold back, ...