Anastasia stood still in the lobby, watching Alfonso Martinez walk away, his tall frame disappearing into the hallway.
Her mind was buzzing with emotions, questions, and a hint of shame. Her heartbeat slowed a bit, and she finally let out a quiet sigh.
"I guess I tried my best," she muttered to herself, though her voice cracked slightly.
"It's time to go back to work."
But just as she turned to leave, a loud scoff echoed behind her. The receptionist smirked, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"You must really think you're all that important, jumping in front of the CEO like that," she said.
"I said it earlier, just another girl chasing attention. You embarrassed yourself in front of everyone."
Anastasia didn't turn. She took a deep breath, keeping her head high. The words stung, but she refused to give the woman the satisfaction of seeing her break.
'Let her talk,' Anastasia thought. 'Her opinion doesn't matter. My goal does.'
But then, a deeper male voice interrupted.
