Ray swallowed hard and shifted closer to his boss, lowering his voice as though volume alone might soften the truth. “Mr. Dike,” he said, almost whispering now, “it’s not in your size.”
The words hung between them like a final verdict.
Osita’s hand lashed out in frustration, knocking Ray’s arm away. His breathing grew uneven as he turned sharply to face Thea again, his eyes now bloodshot, red with humiliation and fury.
For the first time since she had known him, he looked unsure, stripped of the authority he wore so comfortably.
Before Osita could speak, Henry stepped forward.
“Got your answer?” Henry asked calmly, his gaze fixed on Osita without hostility, yet without submission. “Thea bought this for me. Please give it back. Thank you.”
His tone was polite, almost courteous, but i
