Everyone Gian introduced Danielle to was part of Ninesky's core team.
This was the backbone of the company—a group where merit mattered above all else. In a team like this, no one wanted a dead weight dragging them down.
Danielle understood that perfectly.
She drew a steadying breath. "Don't worry. I won't hold anyone back. If I end up slowing the team down, I'll resign on my own."
No one replied. Clearly, her words went in one ear and out the other.
Someone brought in by connections? There's no way she'd actually quit.
A bachelor's degree, really? No way she'd keep up. Even if she was some genius, wouldn't she have the credentials to show for it?
Everyone returned to their desks, diving back into work. It was obvious they weren't thrilled about Danielle joining them.
Gian glanced at her, lips curved in a faint smile. "Feeling the pressure yet?"
"I'm fine," Danielle replied, forcing a grin. "Gold doesn't fear the flame. If I can't cut it, I won't wait for someone to tell me—I'll take the initiative and leave."
Gian chuckled softly, tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're too modest, Danielle. No one here can outshine you."
He knew full well that Danielle was far from a liability. Her talent was still at its peak—she was every bit the equal of anyone in the company, himself included.
Danielle rolled her eyes. "Gian, blind faith is just another kind of superstition, you know."
He let out a low laugh. "Then lead the way, Miss Crawford—show us how it's done."
She only huffed in response.
—
Danielle spent the day learning the ropes—getting to know the team, familiarizing herself with their workflow.
But it was obvious: everyone was keeping their distance. No one assigned her any real tasks. She was left out, isolated.
A surface-level welcome didn't mean genuine acceptance.
She needed a chance—something to prove herself.
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