Chapter 85

Lauren's POV

I still stood there on the spot, frozen, my mind going in circles, asking myself if this job was really worth it. Was it really worth all the sacrifices? The late nights, the loneliness, the way I barely had time to watch my daughter grow? Like the manager just said, I could drop the job and look for another. I had the money, I had the qualifications, I had the reputation. So why was I disturbing myself, tearing my peace apart, being pushed around like a chess piece on their board? Why should I leave everything I had built here… because of what? Because the headquarters suddenly decided they needed me?

“Are you there?” The manager’s voice cut sharply into my thoughts, dragging me back to reality.

“Yes,” I said finally, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. I rubbed my arm absentmindedly, trying to ground myself.

“Please, do this for all of us. We would really appreciate it,” the manager said, his tone almost pleading now