He chuckled, a sound that grated on my nerves. “Insisti ancora a usare i cognomi?” (Are you still insisting on using last names?)
“Non ho familiarità con gli sconosciuti” (I don't get familiar with strangers,) I replied, my tone icy. “Hai dieci secondi per spiegare il motivo per cui ti sei avvicinato a me” (You have ten seconds to state your reason for approaching me.)
Despite his smiling facade, I noticed a subtle hardening in his eyes as he directed his attention towards Clara. "And who is the young lady?" he inquired, his tone polite but his gaze penetrating.
Clara, sensing the tension between us and unsure of her role in this exchange, looked to me for guidance, silently questioning whether she should introduce herself.
"She's my secretary," I replied curtly, my tone devoid of any
