The knock on the door reverberated through the room like a sudden clap of thunder. Emily instinctively pushed Alex away. Just then, the door swung open, revealing Ed, who stood there looking helpless in front of Olivia Winters, who was followed by Eric Glorden and Michael McCallen.
"Sorry, Mr. Stratton, I tried to stop them," Ed said apologetically.
Olivia, in a tight black dress, over-the-knee black boots, and a white tweed jacket, froze at the sight of Alex and Emily together. Alex instructed Ed to leave and close the door behind him. The tension in the office was palpable as the five of them stood there in silence.
Eric was the first to break the silence. "Alex, you've been avoiding Olivia's calls. We were all worried, so we came to check on you." He then shifted his gaze towards Emily. "Emily, when did you come back?"
Just as Emily was about to reply, Alex interjected in an icy tone, "None of your business."
