AITA for refusing to help a coworker in need?

In a painful twist of fate, someone who was promised a new role they were more than qualified for was overlooked in favor of a colleague simply because of familiarity. Despite unanimous support from almost the entire hiring committee, the final decision favored Mary, leaving the deserving candidate feeling betrayed and undervalued. The sting of injustice has not only affected their morale but also altered the way they approach their work, pulling back from responsibilities they once eagerly embraced.

Meanwhile, Mary struggles under the weight of a job she was arguably unprepared for, visibly overwhelmed and exhausted as she fights to keep up. The very person who could ease her burden now stands firm, unwilling to bridge the gap, torn between fairness and resentment. This silent standoff encapsulates a deeper emotional battle—between loyalty, justice, and self-respect—where every choice carries the weight of personal and professional consequence.