"Welcome back," he said, his deep voice slicing through their lively chatter.
The room fell into a sudden hush. Olaedo, ever perceptive, caught the faint tension in his eyes, a tension only she seemed capable of noticing after months of studying his subtle moods.
"Thank you," she replied smoothly, her polite smile keeping her tone light, masking the flutter of curiosity beneath.
"I see you all had quite the adventure," Chibuzor continued, his calm voice carrying an edge that made Ifeoma and Nnenna exchange wary glances.
"Don't be too jealous, Chibuzor," Ifeoma piped up, a teasing lilt in her voice as she tried to dissolve the sudden tension. "It was a girls' day out. You wouldn't have liked it anyway."
Chibuzor's gaze flicked to her, unyielding. "Is that so?"
Adanna, quick to sense the undercurrent of irritation he carefully masked, jumped in. "Honestly, big brother, we didn't think you would be interested. Besides, it was mostly rides and snacks, not exactly your scene."
