DOWN HER SPINE
The elevator ascended, each passing floor amplifying the weight of the impending confrontation. Anne replayed the possible scenarios in her mind—disciplinary action, a stern warning, or the dreaded termination letter. The uncertainty hung in the air, thick with the tension of consequences.
As the elevator doors opened on the CEO's floor, Anne's nerves reached a crescendo. To her surprise, Richmond stood by her desk, a smile playing on his lips. His expression seemed oddly out of place, considering the circumstances.
Their eyes met, and a mixture of confusion and relief flashed across Anne's face. Richmond's smile, however, remained unwavering, leaving Anne to grapple with the enigma of his unexpected presence.
Richmond's smile lingered, but Anne, attuned to the nuances, sensed a disconnect between the outward expression and the depth of his emotions. The smile wasn't reaching his eyes.
