Meanwhile…
"Haines, you're leaving?" Charles looked up at Haines, who had just stood up from his seat. "But the birthday celebration isn't over yet."
Haines remained stoic. "I forgot something at the company."
"What is it?" Charles furrowed his brows. "Just do it tomorrow."
"I can't," was all Haines said before stepping away. Approaching the celebrant as a formality, he said, "Happy Birthday again, Grace."
Grace, who had been chatting with a few colleagues, turned to him. "You're leaving? Already?"
"I'm sorry."
Grace pursed her lips, her high cheekbones looking a bit fuller as she frowned. "It's alright. Thank you for coming—wait, I'll walk you out."
"Don't bother." Just as those words left Haines' lips, Charles came up beside him.
