Ivy had never been inside a building so glassy and cold. It rose like a blade into the sky, its steel and shine intimidating in the midmorning sun. The lobby smelled like money and new leather, with walls so white they looked untouched by human hands. She clutched her thrifted handbag tighter, the scuff on her flats suddenly screaming at her as she stepped onto the marble floor. Her reflection on the walls reminded her she was out of place, but she had come too far to back down now.

The ...