Although Stella was smiling, her words were ice-cold.

Griffin fell silent, his thin lips pressed into a tight line.

He was a man who cared deeply about saving face. But now, in front of all these younger people, Stella showed him no respect at all, making it impossible for him to maintain his composure.

"Must you be this aggressive?"

As soon as he spoke, both Chelsea and Altsin stepped forward almost simultaneously, positioning themselves in front of Stella like a protective barrier.

"Director Ellington," Chelsea spoke in a measured tone, "this matter doesn't seem to concern you much, does it? You're stepping in to defend Ms. Ana—but who exactly are...