The next morning, Maya woke up feeling more tired than she expected, but she didn't allow herself to slow down. She got ready quickly, packed her bag, and left for work without wasting time. She had already understood something important from the previous day. That place was not forgiving, and she couldn't afford to fall behind.
When she arrived, everything was already in motion again. People were working, moving, focused, and it felt like the building never slept. Maya went straight to her desk and started immediately, not giving herself time to think too much about anything else. It was easier that way, easier to just focus on work and nothing more.
Still, she could feel it. The attention hadn't gone away. If anything, it had increased. She didn't look up, but she knew people were watching her. The whispers didn't stop either, but this time, she ignored them more easily. She had already decided she wouldn't let it affect her. She was here for one reason, and that was enough.
Work.
Nothing else.
As she continued reviewing the files in front of her, she became more careful than before. She didn't make any changes without thinking twice. What happened yesterday stayed in her mind. She didn't want to be called in again, not because she was afraid, but because she didn't like it. She didn't like the way he spoke to her. Cold, direct, like she didn't matter. Her fingers paused slightly before she continued working, telling herself it didn't matter, even though it stayed in her mind.
A few hours passed, and the work continued without interruption. At some point, another set of files was placed on her desk without explanation. Maya glanced at them briefly before continuing, not questioning it. The workload was heavier this time, but she didn't complain. She wouldn't. That wasn't who she was.
Across the room, movement shifted slightly, and without meaning to, her eyes lifted for a second. Caspian had walked in. He didn't need to announce himself, and yet the atmosphere changed the moment he stepped inside. People became more careful, more focused. No one spoke unless necessary. Maya looked away immediately. She didn't want to meet his eyes. She didn't want any reason to be called again.
She returned to her work and kept going.
A senior staff member approached her desk not long after, giving her more detailed instructions this time. Maya listened carefully and nodded, making sure she understood everything before the woman left. Once she was alone again, she continued working without pause.
She didn't notice what was happening around her.
From a distance, Caspian observed the workspace as usual. His attention moved across people, work, and structure, checking for anything out of place. Everything seemed fine, everything in order, until his gaze settled briefly on Maya's desk. The files there were more than what should have been assigned to her level.
He didn't say anything.
He didn't need to.
A few moments later, Kai moved quietly through the room. There was no announcement, no attention drawn, but the change was made. Some of the files were removed and replaced with others that matched her workload.
Maya didn't question it.
She didn't even notice.
To her, it was just work.
Nothing more.
The day continued, and by the afternoon, the pressure started to settle slightly. Maya adjusted to the rhythm, moving more naturally between tasks. She still felt watched, but it didn't slow her down anymore. She had learned quickly how things worked.
Keep your head down.
Do your work.
Don't give anyone a reason to speak.
By the time the day came to an end, Maya packed her things again, just like before. She didn't linger, didn't look around, didn't try to speak to anyone. She simply left.
Outside, the air felt cooler this time, and she took a small breath before walking away from the building.
Her steps were steady.
But her thoughts were not.
She didn't belong there.
She knew it.
And more than anything, she wanted to stay as far away from him as possible.