Maya Mitchell took a deep breath, holding back her falling tears, staring at Steve Burton, her voice full of the slightest hope, she began to explain. "Mr. Burton, I genuinely never intended to harm Ruby. In my heart, I've always seen her as my friend, my lifesaver. Mr. Burton, I truly love this job. If you're not comfortable with my proximity to Ruby, I can keep my distance from her."
As Maya spoke, her tone was filled with a plea that she couldn't conceal. "I promise what I say, I will act on. Mr. Burton, please trust me."
Steve Burton stared at his computer, completely focused, as if he hadn't heard anything Maya had just said. For quite a while, he showed no reaction at all.
Even after he had stared at his computer for a while, he picked up the desk phone and dialled a number, asking Ms. Taylor, his secretary, to bring in the morning meeting records.
His tone of voice was calm and cool, emanating an air of unquestionable authority.
