Monday morning began with a long, exhausting meeting that dragged on well past its welcome. The air in the boardroom was stifling, heavy with endless discussions and a swirl of competing agendas. When Edward dismissed everyone, I was ready to escape and clear my head.
I gathered my things quickly, clutching my notebook as I headed for the door.
"Abigail," Mark's voice cut through the hum of shuffling papers and murmured goodbyes.
I paused, glancing over my shoulder. He stood at the head of the table, sleeves rolled up to his elbows and tie slightly loosened—a rare sight that made him seem almost approachable, though the focused intensity in his green eyes was as sharp as ever.
"Can you stay for a minute?" he asked, his tone surprisingly even, almost... civil.
I hesitated, but the curiosity in his gaze kept me from brushing him off. Slowly, I nodded, setting my notebook back on the table as the rest of the team filed out.
