And some sick, instinctive part of me keeps looking over my shoulder, wondering when she’ll surface again.

“Whitney, Sophie—thoughts on the new team?” Gabby asks.

Whitney speaks up first. “The Australian team is eager and well-trained, but they lack the intuitive flow we have here. They rely too much on metrics instead of reading the clients.”

Sophie adds, “Agreed. They follow the formula well, but the best matches come from knowing when to bend the formula.”

Gabby nods, taking that in. “And your thoughts? Can they handle it without you?”

Sophie glances at Whitney, cueing her for input. “They have potential, but they may still need more guidance. Without us there, it’ll take time to reach the standard we uphold.”

“We’ll see how things go without you there. If they don’t improve, another trip to Sydney might be necessary.”

My heart leaps as soon as the words leave Gabby’s mouth.

“I’d be happy to return if needed.” I probably jump in a little too fast, but there’s no way I’m letting Macy play the martyr and volunteer herself first.

Gabby gives me an appreciative nod. “Noted, Magnolia. Thank you for always being a team player.”

I look forward, refusing to even glance Macy’s way. I don’t care to see the irritation written all over her face.

The meeting wraps up, and my mind races. I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but I can’t help it. My mind is spinning.

A return to Sydney. It’s not guaranteed, but Gabby put it on the table, and that’s enough to set my pulse racing.

I barely make it to my office before Violet is on my heels. “You were practically vibrating in that meeting. Should I pack your bags for you?”

I try for nonchalance, but the excitement bubbling under my skin betrays me. “It’s only a possibility.”

And I can’t wait to tell Alex.

Violet sits in the chair across from my desk, crossing her legs. “You’re grinning like you’ve won the lottery.”

She’s not wrong. My face is cramping.

I settle into my chair, unable to fight the thrill pulsing through me. “I didn’t think there would be a reason to go back. But if Soul Sync Australia needs help––hey, who am I to deprive them of my design skills?”

“Right,” Violet drawls. “Because that’s what team players do. You big suck-up.”

A giddy, almost weightless feeling rises in my chest, impossible to suppress.

Violet’s face softens, her usual sass giving way to something more touching. “Listen, I’m happy for you. Truly. If this is what you want, I hope it happens.”

Something about the way she says it makes my heart sad. “But?”

Violet sighs. “But… I’ll miss you. That’s all.”