Elena's POV

Silvia stood by the door with a soft, practiced smile. Her tone was full of pity. “I heard you’re withdrawing from the design competition? It’s okay, Elena. We can just look for jobs after graduation. There’s no need to fight so hard.”

I looked up from my desk and met her gaze. “As my friend,” I said quietly, “shouldn’t you be encouraging me?”

Her expression faltered. “I—I just meant you don’t have to push yourself too much,” she stammered. “You’ve ...