She nodded. As they walked toward the elevator, employees turned to stare at the surreal sight — a tiny girl carrying her mother’s future in her hands.
Just as the elevator doors slid shut, Daniel’s phone buzzed. One look at the caller ID made his jaw tighten.
“This can’t be happening,” he muttered.
Mia tugged his sleeve. “Is that about my mom?”
Daniel inhaled slowly.
“Yes… and it’s serious.”
Inside his office — a meticulously organized space filled with financial projections and color-coded files — Daniel unfolded Rachel’s letter.
As he read, the corporate order around him suddenly felt irrelevant.
“If you’re reading this, it means I wasn’t able to make it to the interview. Please don’t think I don’t value this opportunity. I’ve tried my hardest, but some battles overwhelm even the strongest of us.”
Daniel recognized Rachel Carter. He had reviewed her application the night before — strong background, spotless references, years of experience… until family responsibilities forced her into a cycle of unstable temporary jobs.
He continued reading: