|Katherine|
“This is Katherine. She’ll be working with us starting today,” Sharlyn, the head of the Interior Design Department, announced with her usual composed authority.
Dozens of curious eyes flicked in my direction. I lifted a hand in a small, polite wave and offered them a practiced smile—the kind you give when you’re new and trying not to look as nervous as you feel. A few polite claps echoed through the room, thin and restrained, more courtesy than celebration.
There weren’t many people present—just about half the team. Understandable. It was Monday morning, after all, and most of them were probably already out handling projects on-site.
Sharlyn turned back to me, her expression brisk but not unkind. “Feel free to take any vacant seat you like. Everything you need to know shoul
