have guessed who the man in the faded jacket truly was.
PART 2
Lupita froze, holding the crystal vase tightly in her hands. She didn’t look offended for her own sake, but rather carrying the weight of a deeper, older hurt—the kind born from hearing similar remarks muttered in corridors, elevators, and supply closets, spoken by people who believed dignity belonged only to those with corporate titles.
Ethan adjusted Lily with absolute precision, making sure she was completely secure.
“Repeat what you just said,” Ethan commanded, his voice dropping to a low, icy register.
Karla’s smile instantly evaporated, her skin turning pale, though she tried to brush it off. “I didn’t say anything, sir.”
“Yes, you did,” Lupita said firmly, not shouting, but refusing to back down. “And it’s not the first time.”
Patricia nervously tapped her fingers on the counter. “Lupita, that’s enough. Don’t make a scene in the
