Aron glanced at Esme one last time. He could feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface, threatening to spill over. If he stayed in the room for even a moment longer, he knew he might say or do something he couldn't take back. With a clenched jaw and a heavy heart, he turned sharply on his heel and stormed out of the office, needing space to clear his head.
But Helga remained. Silent and composed, she stood in front of Esme, her eyes unwavering. She didn't need to speak; her presence was enough to fill the room with unspoken questions and emotions. Esme, seated back in her chair, felt the weight of Helga's gaze but refused to meet it at first. Slowly, though, she raised her head, her eyes locking onto Helga's, who watched her like she always did—without judgment, but with an intensity that pierced through the façade Esme had so carefully built.
