Chapter 13: The Joke's On MeThe "Innovation Incubator" pitch was supposed to be her triumph. For weeks, Elara had poured her soul into the concept, a revolutionary sustainability project she believed in with every fiber of her being. The board’s rejection wasn't just a "no"; it was a brutal, dismissive dismantling of her core idea.Back at her team’s pod, her colleagues gathered around her desk, their faces etched with pity."Elara, I'm so sorry," Sarah said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It was a brilliant idea. They're just too short-sighted to see it."Elara flinched away from the touch as