CHAPTER ELEVEN – RESPECT IS EARNED

The following Monday, as Karina stepped off the elevator and made her way to her desk, she could feel the difference in the air. Colleagues who had once barely acknowledged her existence now greeted her with warm smiles and nods of respect. Even the executives, who had previously viewed her as little more than Miguel's punching bag, now looked at her with interest and approval. As she settled in at her desk, Karina found a small envelope waiting for her. Curious, she opened it to find a handwritten note: "Ms. Zaslav, Your performance on the renewable energy integration project was commendable. I look forward to seeing what you'll accomplish next. ●M. Eladio" Karina read the note twice, a small smile playing at her lips. It wasn't exactly effusive praise, but coming from Miguel, it might as well have been a glowing recommendation. Just then, Elena appeared at her cubicle, practically bouncing with excitement. "Karina! Have you heard the news?" Karina looked up, intrigued. "What