The next morning, just before nine, I came downstairs with my bag. At that exact moment, a sleek black car pulled up in front of the house.
A man in a suit stepped out, checked his tablet, and asked:
“Engineer Lily Carter?”
My family gathered at the door, staring like they were looking at something unreal.
My mom spoke first.
“I’m sorry… who?”
The man stepped closer.
“I’m here on behalf of Sterling Group. I’ve been sent to escort Ms. Carter to the executive residence and this evening’s presentation.”
Megan blinked, confused.
“Executive… what?”
My dad frowned.
“There must be a mistake.”
“There isn’t,” the man said politely. “Ms. Carter finalized the sale of her platform yesterday and has accepted a position as Product Director in our technology division.”
I didn’t say anything. I just picked up my bag.
“Lily… what are they talking about?” Megan asked, her voice no longer teasing.
I met her eyes calmly.
“The platform I’ve been building while you all thought I was doing nothing.”
Silence fell hard.
I got into the car without saying goodbye. Not because I didn’t care—but because I knew my voice would shake.