C12 The Name That Doesn't Exist

Third-Person Omniscient

Ashley Sterling woke before dawn.

Not because of nightmares. Not because of fear.

Because her mind no longer allowed waste.

The city outside the penthouse windows was still dark, New York caught in that brief, fragile pause between night and ambition. Ashley stood already dressed, silk blouse tucked into tailored slacks, hair pulled back with deliberate simplicity