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Celeste Sharma is a young architect who is the daughter of a French painter and an Indian architect. Her architect father has died, leaving Celeste a legacy of integrity in his life and work. Celeste's mother is a loving and honest woman who grounds Celeste when the young woman's career—and her terribly unethical supervisor, Thomas Whitaker—frustrate and exhaust her. The young protagonist is determined to succeed honestly through the displays of her talent and tenacity.
Thankfully, Celeste has an ally in the older architect, Eleanor Li, who has sacrificed much of her personal life for her career. Li has a potent secret, as well. Celeste also has an ally in a younger contemporary, Grace Rodriguez. Additionally, Celeste has an unexpected ally in a university competitor from her past, Dominic Westley. Although technically a competitor from a rival architectural firm, Dominic is attracted to Celeste's professional abilities, as well as to Celeste herself.
The themes in this story will come across as familiar, particularly to women in corporate life. Architecture reflects the author's background. Themes of environmental priorities and the potential of the construction of large, but safe, environmental projects are juxtaposed with the smallness of the minds of some of the characters who use their positions to intimidate their subordinates in order to steal their ideas. Idealism and creativity must learn to thrive in environments that would corrupt and even destroy them. The narrative shows that respect for life, work, and truly collaborative teamwork may provide the foundation for positive outcomes.