TESSA.
I shut down my computer with more care than necessary, as if any sudden movement might expose how tightly wound I felt inside.
The office had begun to empty out. Chairs slid back. Low conversations drifted toward the elevators. The earlier tension of the day softened into something quieter, heavier, like exhaustion settling into my bones.
I made it through the day.
That thought alone felt unreal.
I slipped my bag over my shoulder and stood, smoothing my skirt as if that alone could organize the mess in my head. My eyes betrayed me, lifting once more toward Robert's office.
The lights were still on.
He stood near his desk now, phone pressed to his ear, his posture rigid, expression carved from stone. Whatever the call was about, it wasn't pleasant. I turned away quickly, reminding myself that I didn't need to know everything.
I took a step toward the door.
"Tessa."
His voice stopped me instantly.
