The day had been merciless.
Emails flooding the computer screen. Department heads swarming in and out of the office for the whole day. Deadlines barking like angry dogs making it harder to complete it by then.
And Jean?
Jean hadn't taken a breath.
It was nearly evening, and this was her third high pressure meeting of the day. Hannah had tried everything… crackers, water bottles, even sneaking in a protein bar under the guise of "trying new marketing samples."
But Jean had brushed her off every time with that same practiced smile. Now, as they walked toward the boardroom for the third time of the day, Hannah caught the way Jean's steps faltered.
Just a fraction.
Like her heel caught on the carpet. Or the air had shifted strangely.
Then again.
And again.
"Jean?" Hannah called, brows furrowing.
Jean didn't answer.
She slowed, her shoulders stiffening, her hand reaching out blindly toward the wall.
And then her knees buckled.
"Jean!"
