The clock on the wall struck twelve again, and as always, Beauty felt a mix of excitement and nervousness at this hour.
"Beauty, why haven't we seen you at lunch lately?"
A colleague beside her set down her work and turned to look at her, curiosity evident in her tone.
Beauty pressed her lips together and murmured, "I've been having lunch with the CEO recently."
The knowing looks from the others made her want to disappear, but she knew explanations would only make things worse.
Better to let them think whatever they wanted.
Stepping out of the CEO's private elevator, Beauty found the hallway outside his office eerily quiet, devoid of any presence.
She entered the passcode, and the door slid open automatically.
Expecting the office to be empty, she was startled to find Lucas seated at his desk, sipping coffee with perfect composure.
"You're late again today."
He glanced at his wristwatch, his voice cool and measured as he spoke.
"Uh… I got held up at noon.
