Chapter 2:

Extraordinary Kindness

The first few weeks at Apex Innovations passed in a gentle, almost surreal blur. What began as a thoughtful first day from Fred quickly evolved into something far beyond normal professional courtesy. I noticed it gradually at first, then all at once, like a slow tide pulling me deeper. Every morning when I arrived at my desk, a perfectly prepared oat milk latte waited for me with a small handwritten note. “Have a wonderful day, Vivian. You brighten this office.” The first time I saw it, I picked up the cup and smiled to myself.

“Fred, you really do not have to do this every single...