The aftermath of Kian's decision played out quietly at first, like the faint tremors that follow an earthquake. He'd sent his email to Harlow and left it at that, expecting either silence or a polite acknowledgment in return. What he hadn't expected was how quickly the ripple effects would reach him.
By mid-morning, whispers circulated through the office, subtle but unmistakable. Kian could feel the weight of curious glances and hear snippets of hushed conversations as he moved through the halls.
"Did you hear?"
"Harlow approached him."
"He turned it down? Bold move."
Kian tried to focus on his work, but the quiet scrutiny gnawed at his composure. He could only imagine what they were saying, their theories about why he'd declined such a rare opportunity.
It wasn't long before his phone buzzed with an email notification.
---
Subject: Thank You
From: William Harlow
To: Kian Vale
Dear Kian,
