I dropped Jared off at kindergarten early that morning, watching as he moved through the entrance with a confidence that didn't quite match his age. Before disappearing inside, he turned back and blew me a kiss, his small gesture carrying warmth that steadied my instincts and strengthened my resolve.
I returned the gesture with a faint smile, feeling that familiar surge of responsibility settle within me. If I could secure the associate director position, I would finally gain a stronger standing within the pack hierarchy at work, and with it, a better path forward for both Jared and myself.
By the time I reached the company and settled into my office, another matter surfaced in my mind—Erica's arrival. Her presence would shift the internal dynamics, and I needed clarity on where she had been placed. Without hesitation, I contacted Grace and asked her to verify the details.
