Juniper’s mind drifted to her conversation with Sophia the previous day, when they had shared their experiences as women in the legal field. Sophia’s unwavering support and understanding had been a lifeline in moments like these.

Stop it, she chided herself. You’re making assumptions. Focus on what you can control.

She straightened her shoulders, determination filling her. I’ll just have to work harder, make sure our arguments are airtight. I won’t let anything jeopardize this case, not even a lack of enthusiasm from a colleague.

The clients are counting on us, she reminded herself. I won’t let them down.

As she walked back to her office, her hand found her grandmother’s locket. Focus on what matters. The case. The clients. But even as she told herself this, part of her wondered: tomorrow when they reviewed the briefs, would she see the withdrawn Daniel or the engaged one?

Stop it. He’s a colleague, nothing more.

She pushed open her office door with more force than necessary. But that flicker when he’d looked at her… No. Not going there. She had work to do.