Celina left Thor’s office with her body tense and her heart pounding. Every step toward her own office seemed louder than the last, as if the floor itself were marking the end of one chapter—and the beginning of another. The click of her heels against the polished floor of T&R Enterprises no longer masked her decision: she wasn’t going to stay silent anymore. She wasn’t going to bow her head.

As soon as she entered her office, she closed the door and leaned against it, as if her own body had to block any thought of retreat. One hand pressed to her chest, she felt her heart beating out of rhythm, as if it wanted to burst free. Her breathing came shallow, erratic.

“Calm down, Celina... breathe,” she whispered to herself, eyes shut tight.

Inhale. Exhale.

Once more.

Inhale. Exhale.

Little by little, she managed to regain some control over her trembling body. Still leaning against the door, her hands slid down to her stomach, where the greatest reasons for her strength and courage rested.