The question hit like a slap.
I blinked. "Kael is my boss. My employer."
"Mm." Another chuckle, but this one carried a razor's edge. "Let's not pretend."
And just like that, the mask slipped.
I understood exactly why he was here.
He wasn't checking in. He wasn't here for the project or some mentorly pep talk. He was here because he knew. Or at least, he suspected.
I straightened, letting my shoulders roll back, spine firm. "It's a professional relationship," I said coolly even though I wanted to jump out the window if I could. "That's all it's ever been."
A lie. A necessary one.
"Professional relationship my ass." I scoffed silently, briefly snapping myself back to the present."Your son is a pervert." I muttered under my breath.
Sarah was still going off about something but I zoned out again. Back into that office. That silent life or death judgement.
