CHAPTER SIXTEEN – PROJECT PHOENIX

The office atmosphere at Eladio Enterprises had shifted palpably in the weeks following the gala. Karina could feel the change in the air, as tangible as the chill from the overzealous air conditioning that always seemed to be on full blast. As she walked through the maze of cubicles one Monday morning, Karina noticed the way conversations would hush as she approached, only to resume in hushed whispers once she'd passed. She caught fragments of words, her name mentioned with tones ranging from curiosity to disdain. "...heard she's only here because of her brother..." "...probably sleeping her way to the top..." "...can't trust someone who advances that quickly..." Karina kept her head high, but each whispered comment felt like a tiny dagger. She knew the source of these rumors all too well. At her desk, she found Elena waiting, a concerned look on her face. "Hey, Karina. How are you holding up?" Karina sighed, slumping into her chair. "I've been better. It's like I've become perso