Clara's eyes followed the woman's every movement as she recognized her instantly, the same woman she had just Googled hours ago. Joan.
Axiel, sweet and polite as always, waved.
"Hi, Aunt Joan!"
Joan looked at Axiel briefly as she greeted him, she stared at Clara for a while, then turned her attention back to Ethan.
"Ethan, I'm sorry to interrupt," she said smoothly. "But you left before signing this. The changes need to be made today for the engineers to begin work."
Ethan stood, jaw tightening.
"This isn't a good time, Joan. I'm spending time with my family."
Joan blinked, disappointment clearly written on her face, although she recovered quickly.
"I'm sorry, It's just that these approvals are urgent.."
"Then push the work forward by a day," Ethan cut in. "And pay everyone for tomorrow's work. Give me those I'll read them tonight and sign it."
The silence that followed was sharp as Joan reluctantly held to the documents for a few seconds.
