“Thanks, Sophia,” Juniper said softly. “I don’t know what I’d do without your support.”

“Probably show up in your pajamas,” Sophia teased, a glint in her eyes and a grin up to no good.

Juniper laughed. “Well, maybe not that bad. But seriously, your guidance means a lot.”

They stood before the towering building, its mirrored surfaces reflecting the fiery colors of the sunrise while living walls of ivy climbed the textured concrete, nature reclaiming steel and stone. The teeming energy of arriving colleagues surrounded them, creating a steady stream toward the entrance.

“By the way, I was thinking.. maybe after this meeting, we could brainstorm over lunch?” Sophia suggested.

“That sounds great,” Juniper replied. “Could use the collaborative energy.”

“Perfect,” Sophia smiled. “I have a feeling we’ll come up with something brilliant.”

Juniper nodded, feeling genuinely optimistic. “Here’s to hoping.”