David’s POV

Andrea’s voice sliced through the hallway, and Mara froze beside me. I didn’t even get to finish my apology before she pulled her arm away and walked back into her department without looking back.

I swallowed hard.

Andrea stood a few steps away, arms folded, eyes narrowed like she had caught me committing a crime.

“David.” Her tone was soft, but the frown didn’t match it. “We need to talk.”

I exhaled, knowing there was no escaping her. “Let’s go to my office.”

She followed behind me, heels tapping sharply on the floor. The moment we stepped inside, she closed the door and turned to me, tension radiating...