CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE – DOUBLE SHADOW

"There you are!" Rachel chirped, her voice dripping with false cheer. "I've been assigned to shadow you this afternoon. Isn't that exciting?" Nia forced a smile, silently cursing whoever had made that decision. "Of course. Let's get started, shall we?" As they settled in at Nia's desk, Rachel wasted no time in launching her inquisition. "So, how was your lunch? You seemed in quite a hurry when you left." "It was fine," Nia replied curtly, focusing on her computer screen. "Now, let me show you how we manage the incoming calls." But Rachel wasn't so easily deterred. As Nia explained the phone system, Rachel interrupted, "You know, I couldn't help but notice you seemed a bit flustered when you came back. Everything okay?" Nia took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay professional. "Everything's fine, Rachel. Now, as I was saying about the call routing—" "Was it a date?" Rachel pressed, leaning in conspiratorially. "With Justin Allistair, perhaps?" Nia's patience, already worn t