The second knock came sharper this time, the voice outside more insistent yet tinged with hesitation.
"Sarissa, are you there? I thought I heard something… but maybe I was wrong."
Ashtarot's irritation flared, his fist clenching as he considered his options. But then, an idea struck him—a way to twist this annoyance into something far more satisfying.
He turned his gaze toward Sarissa, who looked equally frustrated, her narrowed eyes and furrowed brows showed that she also hated this situation.
"Lady Sarissa," he drawled, his tone laced with mockery, "do you want to answer your man?"
Her body stiffened at the suggestion, a shiver running down her spine as his gaze bore into her.
"It's fine, Ashtarot! He's not my man… he's just a coworker from the finance division," she stammered, her voice tinged with panic and excitement.
