“Ms.

Vance-Mercer, the board members for the green-energy infrastructure initiative have arrived in the main conference room.

And your eleven-thirty personal appointment is here.” “Thank you, Sarah,” I replied warmly.

“Give me just two minutes.” I stood, smoothing the front of my tailored navy suit, and walked to the mirror by the door, and the woman looking back at me was no longer the timid analyst who had once dressed in oversized sweaters to disappear into the background.

My posture was unshakeable.