The Liddell Corporation tower loomed before Noelle, a strange echo of a past life. She headed straight for Frank's top-floor office; James waited. "Ms. Liddell, this way."

Frank was there, a wide smile plastered on his face. "Noelle, you're early! Breakfast? I got your favorites." A spread of pastries sat on the coffee table. He picked up a croissant. "You love these, right?"

Noelle smirked. "Xenia likes croissants, not me."

Frank's hand trembled; he dropped the croissant. "Right, bagels?"

"Pancakes," Noelle said flatly.

Guilt twisted Frank's face. "Noelle, I've been a terrible brother. Another chance?"

She picked up the documents. "Why bother? This works, doesn't it?"

Tears welled in his eyes. "Noelle, I—"

"There's no need," she cut him off, gathering the papers and leaving.

James glared at Frank. "Mr. Liddell, how could you botch this?"

"I remembered she liked them! Gordon told me," Frank stammered, his face darkening. "Gordon lied?"

"You haven't paid attention to her preferences, sir," James said sharply. "You haven't cared."

Frank slumped onto the sofa, clutching his stomach. "What do I do? I want to fix this."

James considered. "I'll talk to the branch manager. Respect, starting small."

"Noelle could manage the branch," Frank said, remembering her ambition. "Show her I'm serious."

Ignoring the text from Frank apologizing for the breakfast fiasco, Noelle marched to the branch office, the firewall problem her focus.

At the front desk, she announced, "I'm here to fix the software."

Xenia, impeccably dressed, appeared, suspicion etched on her face. "Noelle? What are you doing here?"

"None of your business," Noelle retorted.

The manager, Bobby Fuentes, rushed out, eager to greet Ms. Liddell. He looked from Noelle to the stylish Xenia, completely confused.

The receptionist pointed at Noelle. "Technician interview, I think."

Fuentes, assuming Xenia was Ms. Liddell, offered her a warm smile.