Chapter 28

Zachary Evans glanced at his watch, his voice as stiff as a judge delivering a verdict. "Ms. Lowell, you have one hour and forty minutes left."

Sophia Lowell didn’t even lift her eyes. She opened her laptop, the rapid clicks of the keyboard sharp and urgent.

Zachary awkwardly rubbed the bridge of his nose and retreated to a corner.

At 5:55 PM, Sophia hit the final keystroke. The 5,000-word self-criticism landed in Ethan Roscente’s inbox right on time.

Her stomach twisted violently. She covered her mouth, suppressing two dry heaves. Whether it was hunger or morning sickness, she couldn’t tell. With trembling hands, she fished out a pill and swallowed it with water.

"Ms. Lowell, you should eat something."

Zachary had reappeared, setting down a steaming bento box.

Sophia ignored it, pulling out the stale bread left over from breakfast. Crumbs scattered as she chewed mechanically, each swallow like shards of glass.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Vivian Ashcroft popped up, but before she could reply, Isabella Valentine’s social media post forced its way into her view.

"Comfort from Mr. Roscente ❤️"

A grid of nine photos showed roses in full bloom, crystal chandeliers casting fractured light over champagne flutes.

Sophia stared at the screen, her breath growing ragged. An invisible hand seemed to squeeze her heart, the pain bending her double.

"Ms. Lowell?"

Jessica Piente’s concerned face loomed into focus. Only then did Sophia realize she had crushed the bread into dust.

"I’m fine," she forced a smile. "Just a stomachache."

Jessica frowned. "You’re pale as a ghost."

"Old problem." Sophia tightened the cap on her water bottle. "The medicine will help."

"The department’s throwing a welcome party for Ms. Valentine tonight. Will you come?"

"I have plans with a friend." Sophia hesitated. "Actually, can I submit the handover materials directly to you?"

Jessica shook her head. "Mr. Roscente gave specific instructions."

Sophia bit her lip. She’d rather face wild beasts than step into that office again.

Zachary’s bento still sat on the desk, its aroma taunting her. She grabbed it and slammed it into the trash.

Even his pity made her sick.

In the CEO’s office, Ethan Roscente flipped through the handover file before casually passing it to Isabella.

"I’d like to see this project through." Sophia held out the proposal, her fingertips trembling. "It just needs final approval."

This had been her three-month labor of love, originally her ticket to a permanent position. Though everything had changed, she still wanted to be the one to close the chapter.