"No! I'm not leaving!"
Monica's voice cracked, shrill and desperate. She had already realized she'd said the wrong thing, and regret flickered across her face—but it was too late.
She looked up pitifully at Leonard, her makeup smeared, her composure gone.
"Leonard… Mario was just confused for a moment. He didn't mean it. I'll go back and discipline him properly, I swear…"
"Monica!" Leonard shut his eyes tightly for a second, jaw clenched so hard the muscles stood out sharply beneath his skin.
"Don't think I don't know about you and Mario."
"I—" Monica froze. The blood drained from her face.
He knew? He actually knew?
Her grip on his leg loosened involuntarily, shock and guilt loosening her fingers.
Leonard stepped back immediately, pulling free.
He had no interest in arguing further. No desire to waste another breath on her.
With a small gesture toward Suzy, he said, "Open the door."
Suzy reacted instantly, fingers flying over the keypad.
