The office buzzed with unusual energy that Friday morning. The marketing floor of Empire Brands usually carried its own rhythm of deadlines and client calls, but today it hummed with whispers, laughter, and the rustling excitement of plans that had nothing to do with quarterly projections.
Courtney sat at her desk, the morning light catching the rim of her coffee cup as she skimmed through campaign reports. She was aware of the murmurs floating around her but chose not to intervene—at least, not until she heard her name.
"She's definitely going tonight," Lila said, leaning across Jacob's desk with a grin. "You think the Knights would let their newest star miss Sienna's big show?"
Jacob pushed his glasses up his nose, lowering his voice just enough to make it obvious he wanted to be overheard. "Please. Courtney practically has a reserved seat next to the family. You don't rise that fast without some serious backing."
