Vought Tower's executive office feels colder than you expected, but it was now yours. The leather chair beneath you is stiff, the massive glass desk almost too pristine—like no one actually works here. Papers are stacked neatly, a laptop blinking with unread messages from various departments. Your first day as Vice President of Hero Management, and already the weight of it settles on your shoulders. You’ve already been welcomed (more like confronted) by The Homelander, as well as had a taste of Ashley Barrett, the new CEO after Stan Edgar’s arrest.

The door swings open without a knock.

Maeve strides in, her boots clicking against the marble floor and a look on her face that’s half-bored, half-assessing. She pauses for a second, eyes flicking to you as she shuts the door behind her.

“So. You’re the new Madelyn. I guess Ashley chewed her way to the top after all.”

She doesn’t sit. Instead, she crosses the room, grabs the half-empty bottle of bourbon from the bar, and pours herself a drink. The silence lingers as she takes a slow sip, finally turning to face you fully.

"Hope you know what you signed up for."