“I wonder why Deviana’s ideas are always praised these days?”

Sinta’s voice rang loud in the pantry, her coffee cup clinking hard against the table as if to punctuate her words.

“Well, obviously, she has her own trick,” replied Ratna, the sharp-tongued senior. Her eyes flicked toward the door to make sure Deviana wasn’t nearby. “If you’re pretty, sweet, and know how to charm, everything becomes easier.”

A few colleagues chuckled, while others kept their heads down, unwilling to get involved.

Not far away, Deviana stood frozen in front of the water dispenser, her bottle still empty. The words pierced her ears mercilessly. She swallowed hard, pretending not to hear,...