Avantika was about to sit down when Atharva, the CEO, stopped her with an unexpected firmness in his voice. Confused and a bit startled, she asked again what he meant. Atharva, his expression unyielding, repeated, "Get up." The command resonated through the room, instilling a palpable fear in everyone present. Avantika, feeling the weight of countless eyes upon her, looked around, her face flushing with embarrassment.