Alex's question was very reasonable. A question that is usually made by a boss to his problematic subordinates, but for Lily's secretary it is very deadly and difficult to answer.
"Secretary Lily, why are you silent? Answer my question." said Alex who saw a bit of awkwardness in Lily's secretary's attitude.
The look in Alex's eyes was felt by Lily's secretary like an arrow stuck in her heart. The man seemed to be waiting for an answer.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Alex. In the past few days I have had serious family problems that have disturbed my concentration at work. Sorry, I promise I will do better." Said Lily's secretary who made a fake excuse to answer Alex's question.
The family excuse is very commonly used by employees when they are in trouble and their superiors call for confirmation about it.
