The lobby doors slid open.
Sharp heels echoed on the marble floor click, click, click , steady, unhurried, yet commanding.
Katherine Miller walked in. Her navy blazer caught the light, her long wavy black hair falling neatly over her shoulders. In one hand, a folder; in the other, her phone, the screen glowing briefly before she locked it.
"Good morning, Ms. Miller." The receptionist straightened, voice polite.
A slight nod. Nothing more.
She kept moving, her pace never breaking. Employees stepped aside, lowering their voices as her steps passed by. Conversations softened, keyboards tapped faster, and a few eyes followed her until they dared not anymore.
The elevator was waiting. The doors opened without pause. She stepped in, pressed the button for the top floor, and stood still as the doors closed with a quiet ding.
When she entered the main office, the air shifted again. Heads lifted. The usual buzz dipped. Her presence was like a chill breeze silent but felt.
She crossed the floor, straight posture, calm steps, until she reached the door with her nameplate. One hand pushed it open, the other still holding her folder.
Click.
The door shut behind her.
The day began.