I take a bite of my croissant, flaking apart perfectly in my hands, and clear my throat.

“So…” I say carefully. “What happens now?”

Khanner takes a sip of his espresso, watching me like he’s already five steps ahead of this conversation.

“I was just discussing that with Royce and Urul,” he says.

My stomach drops.

Oh gods.

This is it.

I knew this was coming.

I knew that last night was too good to be true, that I’d crossed some invisible boundary, and now?—

“You’ve earned your place,” Khanner continues, setting his cup down. “And it’s not as my assistant.”

My breath catches.

Oh.

Oh no.

I swallow hard, forcing a nod even though my chest feels tight.

“Right,” I say, trying to keep my voice even. “I understand.”

A job as Khanner’s assistant was the most stable thing I had. And I knew I was replaceable, but hearing it?—

“You should be heading up Project Management in a senior role.”

I blink.

Hard.

“I—what?”

Khanner arches a brow. “You clearly have the skills. It was only a matter of time before we moved you up.”

I stare at him, completely stunned.

He gestures toward a packet beside him.

“I think,” he says smoothly, “you’re getting a significant raise and a title bump.”

I reach for the papers with slightly trembling fingers, flipping through the offer.

It’s—

It’s real.

I let out a breathless laugh, shaking my head.

“Okay, but… just to clarify,” I say, half-laughing, half-dazed. “I’m not being fired, right?”

Khanner’s mouth twitches. “No, Sunny.”