“The apology belongs to Miss Smith,” Andrew said, turning to me.

“The board recognizes your invaluable contribution to Leprince Corp,” the member said to me. “Your research will change the industry.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

“I am proposing a motion to appoint Elila Smith as the Director of the new Bio-Chemical Division,” Andrew announced.

“Seconded,” three board members said simultaneously.

The motion passed unanimously.

An hour later, the boardroom was empty, the morning sun fully illuminating the space.

I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the traffic below.

Andrew walked up behind me, his hands in his pockets.

“You did it, Elila,” he said quietly.

“We did it,” I corrected, turning to look at him.

“The board approved the funding for your new lab,” he said. “You can design it however you want.”

“With doors that do not lock from the outside,” I said, a small smile appearing on my face.

“Absolutely,” he said, his expression turning serious.

He reached out and took my hand, his thumb rubbing the back of my knuckles.

“What about us?” he asked.

“One step at a time, Andrew,” I said, looking down at our joined hands. “But we are off to a good start.”

He nodded, a look of quiet understanding in his eyes.

We stood there together, looking out at the city, ready for whatever came next.