A Strange Invitation

As I moved closer to them, I felt utterly exhausted.

Vivian discreetly pinched me to keep me alert. She introduced the distinguished gentleman to me with a smile, but I was barely listening, maintaining a standard polite smile.

Handshake after handshake, exchange after exchange, I went through the motions.

Colin, on the other hand, was enthusiastically engaging with the man.

Vivian cleverly pulled me aside and gave me a sharper pinch, jolting me back to reality. I looked at her.

"Grace, stay focused. You need to stay calm and composed, especially in this setting where so many eyes are on you. You still have a lot to do. You brought me on board, so you need to give me some hope and opportunity!" she whispered rapidly, pulling me back to awareness.

I took a deep breath, pushing away the tears that had formed, and nodded to her.