Serena stepped into the company’s lobby that morning, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. Something felt off the moment she entered.

There was a shift in the air, a tension she couldn’t quite place. The usual bright good mornings from her employees were missing. Instead, hushed whispers filled the space.

Eyes darted toward her before quickly looking away, as if they had just been caught gossiping.

She frowned, her grip tightening around Amy’s small hand. It wasn’t ...