Ana's POV
The air between Morris and Toby crackled with hostility—I felt caught in the crossfire, every muscle tense.
Morris typically kept his distance from strangers, maintaining that cool politeness, but outright animosity? That was new territory.
Thinking back, I could pinpoint the exact moment his demeanor shifted—right when Toby's name first came up.
This wasn't just jealousy talking. These two had real history.
I faced Toby directly, cutting through the pretense. "Listen, Mr. Derick—I'm nobody's 'little sister,' and we barely know each other. This is strictly business."
My sharp response stunned them both.
Morris straightened in his chair, throwing Toby a look that screamed triumph, as if silently saying, 'There's your answer.'
Something dangerous flashed in Toby's eyes before he smoothed it over with that practiced charm.
Without missing a beat, he offered his apologies.
"You're right, Ms. Vernon. I overstepped."
I stayed silent.
