Clairessa’s POV
“Hey, Clairessa,” Nicole greeted as she approached my desk, her tone warm and her usual bright smile in place.
I glanced up from my computer, trying to suppress the anger rising in my chest. Of all the people I had to deal with today, Nicole was the last on the list but I had no choice. “Hi, Nicole,” I responded, keeping my voice short and my expression neutral.
She paused briefly, as though gauging my mood, before continuing. “I know our meeting is set for noon, but I thought we could talk first. May I?” She gestured to the chair across from me.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and motioned toward the seat. “Go ahead.”
“Thanks.” She eased into the chair, still wearing that overly cheerful smile that got on my nerves every time I saw it. “Look, I know after the Adri
