Her throat tightened.
She swallowed and looked down, avoiding their faces. If she met their eyes now, she didn't trust herself to stay calm. A strange mix of guilt and helplessness spread through her chest. She hadn't asked for special treatment. She hadn't demanded higher pay. But intent didn't change reality. To them, it still looked unfair.
Her breathing grew a little uneven, and she shifted her feet, feeling oddly exposed, like everyone could see straight through her. The office, which once felt familiar and safe, now felt distant, as if she no longer truly belonged on either side. Not fully one of them. Not fully separate either.
Bella pressed her lips together, steadying herself. Getting emotional here wouldn't fix anything. But pretending this didn't hurt wouldn't either.
"That's so unfair. You also need to work like us. If you're a hacker, we're also…" Kottie continued.
"What's happening here?"
The cold voice cut straight through the noise.
Everyone turned at once.
