(Evelina's POV — Next Morning, Hartgrave Mansion)
Sunlight cut through the curtains like it was mocking me. It was bright. Cheerful. Hopeful.
And I hated it.
Because today wasn't just another day of survival. Today was the day I willingly marched into the lion's den—aka Hartgrave Corporation.
My new workplace. My new battlefield. My new prison sentence is dressed as opportunity.
I sat in front of the vanity, staring at my own reflection like it was a stranger I didn't trust yet. My hair was tied in a low, sleek ponytail. My outfit—black pinstripe suit, fitted blazer, crisp white shirt—looked too competent for someone internally screaming.
I adjusted my collar.
"This is fine," I lied out loud.
The mirror didn't believe me.
Of course it didn't.It knew a clown when it saw one.
Then—PING.
A soft chime echoed, and a blue screen slid into view like it had been waiting for this dramatic moment.
