She took a deep breath, attempting to quell the frustration that threatened to spill over. For God’s sake, Juni. Stop reading into every shift in tone.

As they gathered their materials, Daniel turned to Juniper. “I’ll have my section drafted by end of day. We can review it together tomorrow.” His gaze was perfectly professional now… the same detached look he gave Sophia when discussing timelines.

Her chest tightened as he addressed them both with identical courtesy. So that’s it. Whatever had shifted earlier when James was watching… she’d imagined it meant something. Just another performance for the senior partner. The familiar sting of being forgettable settled in, and she hated how much that bothered her.

“Sure,” Juniper replied, forcing a smile. “I’ll have the class certification arguments ready as well.”

Daniel nodded, his gaze already drifting back to his notes. “Sounds good. I’ve got another engagement to prepare for, so if there’s nothing else…”

Nothing else? Something cracked inside of her… not anger this time, but something quieter, more painful. She watched him gather his things with the efficiency of someone checking items off a list. A task. That’s what she was. The familiar sting spread through her chest, sharp and unwelcome. Why did I think this would be different? Why do I always… No. uMmm Nope.

She swallowed her words, not wanting to appear confrontational. “No, that’s all for now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Daniel gave a curt nod and exited the room, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

Juniper watched him go, a heaviness settling in her chest. Is this just a job to him? A stepping stone in his career?