"Hey Ana, we need Sir Ares' signature on this Galvez contract," Nikki said to me.

I glanced up at Nikki and acknowledged with a nod, taking the papers from her.

"Why weren't you here yesterday? Sir seemed off without you," she commented, making me cringe.

"There was a family emergency. I'll get this to him ASAP. He's still in a meeting, right?" I shifted the conversation and nodded at her. She seemed like she wanted to say more but left instead.

I peeked at Ares's office. He wasn't there; he was still in the conference room. I had just arrived and really wanted to avoid crossing paths with him. Even...