AVA’S POV

The office wasn’t welcoming as usual.

I knew Rachel was in the building, though she hadn’t directly approached me yet.

But I could feel her presence, her influence cutting through every conversation, every glance, every interaction.

She was the kind of predator who didn’t need to make threats. Her words, delivered casually, were enough.

Subtle, innocent sounding comments that pierced like knives and she has a talent for hitting exactly where it would hurt.

I got to my desk, ...