A stunned silence fell over the group.
"What do you mean?" Rose blurted out, her smile vanishing. "You are leaving the project? Anne, that's not fair. Everything that happened—it wasn't your fault. Why should you be the one to leave?"
The others chimed in, murmuring their protests, clearly unsettled by the news.
"Please, Anne," Lily pleaded, stepping closer. "Don't rush this decision. We need you here. We trust you."
The genuine concern in their voices filled the space around her, but Anne's decision remained firm in her heart.
Luke felt a wave of relief wash over him, though he tried to mask it with a look of concern. Putting on a troubled face, he said, "You must be upset that I'm the team leader now. I really don't mind stepping down for you."
