The hallway seemed to shrink as Mr. Johnson stepped forward. His eyes, calm but piercing, moved from Adam to Emily and back again. The silence between them was unbearable. The faint hum of the elevator was the only sound in the air.
Adam tried to speak first. “Sir, we were just…”
Mr. Johnson held up a hand, cutting him off. “I don’t recall asking for an explanation.”
Emily’s lips parted, but no words came. Her hands were clasped in front of her, trembling slightly.
Mr. Johnson’s tone softened, but his gaze didn’t. “You look tense, both of you. Long day, I suppose?”
“Yes,” Adam said quickly. “Just work stress. We were going over the presentation for tomorrow.”
Mr. Johnson tilted his head slightly, a small, knowing smile touching his li
