Chapter 123:

Hazel sat at her desk, the late afternoon sun casting a golden hue across her workspace. The office buzzed with its usual activity, the hum of conversations and the clacking of keyboards creating a steady backdrop. Hazel twirled a pen between her fingers, lost in thought. Her mind was a whirl of strategies and plans, each one meticulously crafted to further her goals at Hastings. The pen spun in her hand, a rhythmic motion that mirrored the inner turmoil she felt. Her thoughts were focused on Rebecca and the potential advantages of their budding acquaintance. Hazel knew that gaining Rebecca’s trust could open many doors, especially if she could leverage Rebecca's position and insight into Alexander’s world. She bit the end of the pen, her brow furrowed in concentration. The office was relatively quiet at this time, with many employees out for lunch or wrapped up in their end-of-day routines. Hazel was deep in contemplation when the office door swung open, and Rebecca stepped in. Hel