EVELYN’S POV

The orientation ended the way everything at Parsons did — with quiet efficiency.

No nervous laughter. No lingering chatter. Just a final briefing in a glass-walled conference room, a round of polite applause, and the slow, orderly migration of new hires toward the elevators.

Suits. Tote bags. Designer flats clicking in rhythm against marble floors.

Phones lit up as emails arrived: Welcome to Parsons. Your access badge will be ready Monday at 9 A.M.

Three days. That was all ...