#Chapter 214: The Return

I took a deep breath as I approached the familiar glass doors of my old firm, my heart pounding in sync with the rhythm of my heels against the polished marble floor. The air crackled with an odd tension, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed overnight. Pushing open the door, I stepped into the reception area. The usual hustle and bustle had a subdued quality to it, like the muffled murmurs of a crowd anticipating something big. The receptionist, usually perky and efficient, looked up at me with wide eyes as I passed. She seemed almost unsure of how to greet me, her usual warm smile replaced with a hesitant nod. I briskly made my way to the elevator, the metallic doors opening with a soft ding as I stepped inside. As the elevator ascended, I couldn't shake the feeling that Erickson’s departure had caused a greater shift than I’d expected. My mind raced with thoughts of what would be waiting for me on the second floor. When the elevator doors slid open on my fl