By the time the clock's long hand pointed past twelve, the design floor had quieted into a low hum of keyboards, pencil scratches, and the occasional shuffle of fabric swatches.
The morning meeting had already stretched everyone thin, and most of the team was eyeing the clock, ready for lunch.
Chloe, too, after getting a text from Bella telling her to go for lunch herself, was gathering her sketches into a folder, eager to get some air, when her desk phone buzzed sharply. She hesitated before picking up.
"Chloe Smith?"
"Yes?"
"Ms. Laurent wants you in her office. Immediately," Ms. Lauren's secretary said into the phone.
Chloe frowned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "What? Right now?"
"Right now," the secretary repeated before the line went dead.
Chloe's stomach sank. She slid her sketchbook into her bag and stood, nerves prickling with unease.
Ms. Laurent didn't summon people unless it was serious. She thought as she made her way there.
