Isla POV
Silence filled the air as Alistair Vale glanced between Mr. Vale and me. His face was blank. I noticed he rested on a cane – his legs had become weak.
I stood up abruptly, ignoring the pain in my ankle, because I couldn't stay seated while the Chairman of the company looked at me like that.
"G-good evening, sir," I said, my voice trembling.
"Don't stand on your feet." Mr. Vale scolded me, walking over and placing a hand on my back and arm. I tried to avoid his touch – he didn't seem to realise how it looked – but he didn't let go.
"I see you have company," his father finally said, looking straight at both of us.
"And I told you not to barge into my place," Mr. Vale retorted stubbornly.
Alistair frowned and raised his cane, poking his son's head. "Don't talk to me like that,
