Chapter 157:

The rest of the day passed in a haze for Hazel. She went through the motions of her tasks, but her mind was elsewhere, already imagining herself in Rebecca’s chair, going through the daily routines that would bring her closer to Alexander. She could picture it so clearly—him calling her into his office for meetings, relying on her for important tasks, and slowly beginning to see her as more than just a replacement for Rebecca. When the workday finally ended, Hazel left the office with a sense of anticipation bubbling inside her. Tomorrow was going to be a big day, a day where everything could start to change. As she drove home, she couldn’t help but play out different scenarios in her mind—Alexander’s gratitude for her efficiency, his growing admiration for her dedication, and the possibility of their interactions becoming more personal, more intimate. That evening, as Hazel sat in her apartment, she began to plan her next steps carefully. She needed to ensure that Rebecca’s recovery