The morning sun had barely cleared the glass skyscrapers, but the 20th floor of Singhania Enterprises was already buzzing with high-stakes anxiety. Inside the main boardroom, Ira sat at the head of the massive mahogany table, her expression a mask of flawless, frigid professionalism. To her left was the HR Director, Mr. Tomar, who had returned from his medical leave, and to her right was Lily, acting as a temporary departmental observer.

"Next," Ira said, her low, smooth voice entirely devoid of warmth. She hadn't looked up from her tablet once during the last five interviews. They had all been the same—stuttering answers, trembling hands, and applicants who looked ready to faint the moment she made eye contact.