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"I'm pretty busy these days, but thanks for the invite." Amara reached for a champagne flute, her movements deliberately calm. "If you'll excuse us."

She turned to walk away with Nathan, but Tabitha's voice followed them.

"Oh, Logan mentioned you're working at a high school now. How... fulfilling that must be for someone with your background."

The words hit their target with surgical precision. Amara paused, every instinct screaming at her to turn around and remind Tabitha exactly who had built the business she was now profiting from. But engaging would only give them more ammunition, more proof that she'd become exactly what they'd painted her as—unstable, unprofessional, a liability. Instead, she took a sip of champagne and continued walking.

Nathan guided her toward a group of his friends clustered near the silent auction displays. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I should have checked the guest list beforehand."

"It's fine." And surprisingly, it almost was. The initial shock had worn off, replaced by something closer to determination. "I'm not going to let two immature people ruin my night."

The next hour passed pleasantly. Several people recognized her, expressed genuine regret about her departure from the mediation field, and offered contacts at firms that might be interested in her services. Their kindness warmed something cold in her chest, even as she doubted any of it would lead anywhere. The rumors Logan and Tabitha had spread—about her hot temper, her tendency to use questionable methods to close deals, her alleged habit of costing clients money through reckless behavior—had taken root too deeply. She'd never fought them, and now too many people believed the lies.

She was making polite conversation with Nathan's friend Ben when she excused herself to find the restroom. The ladies' lounge was mercifully quiet, all marble and soft lighting that made her reflection look less tired than she felt. As she touched up her lipstick, the door opened behind her.

"Excuse me, dear. Could I have a minute of your time?"

Amara turned to find a petite woman with snow-white hair and a confident smile that suggested she was used to getting whatever she wanted.

"Of course."

"Wonderful." The woman stepped closer, and Amara caught a hint of her perfume—vanilla and citrus with something electric underneath. "I'm Gerri Wilder, and I have an opportunity for you if you're interested."

Amara's professional instincts kicked in, but she shook her head. "I don't think you understand. My reputation has been... tarnished. You may want to find someone else for whatever opportunity this is."

Gerri's smile never wavered. "No, dear, I understand exactly what happened to you. And I understand exactly how unfortunate that was. I think I can help you out."

Something in the woman's tone made Amara pause. There was knowledge there, certainty that seemed to go deeper than logic.

"Alright. What's the opportunity?"

"Well, there's a labor dispute and some unrest brewing on the planet Nova Aurora. You would be perfect for the job—to stop this before it escalates into something ugly."

Amara blinked. "An alien planet?"

"Yes, it's a beautiful place with humans and lion shifters. Well, all kinds of shifters actually. But the territory called Solaryn is home to the Sol lion pride, and they could use your help if you're available." Gerri's eyes seemed to sparkle with inner light. "There would be very generous compensation, room and board included. Maybe even a permanent position if you find it suitable."

The practical part of Amara's mind began forming questions about the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and the timeline for resolution.

"I really don't know the details, to be honest. I was simply asked to find the best person for the job, and here I am, finding the best." Her smile turned knowing. "Sometimes the universe has a way of putting people exactly where they need to be."

Amara should have asked more questions. Should have demanded references, contracts, and detailed briefings. Should have applied the same careful analysis she brought to every professional decision. Instead, she found herself thinking about Logan's condescending smile and Tabitha's diamond ring. About the cramped guidance office and the motivational posters that felt like mockery. About the life she'd built and lost, and the growing certainty that she might never get it back on Earth.

Something deep in her chest stirred—a spark of the woman who had once walked into impossible situations and found solutions no one else could see. Maybe this was her chance to prove to herself that she was still that person.

Still competent, capable, and fearless.

"When do we leave?"

"I take that as a yes." Gerri's smile widened until her eyes seemed to flash gold. "Meet me at the Dallas power plant tomorrow morning at nine sharp."

"I'll be there. Thank you for this opportunity."

"Oh, I should be the one thanking you, dear." Gerri patted Amara's arm with surprising warmth. "This is going to be exactly what everyone needs."

Before Amara could ask what she meant, Gerri was gone, leaving her alone in the marble restroom, wondering what exactly she'd just committed herself to.

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