"Valerium?" Upon hearing the name, most of the caution in Helena's eyes dissipated, her tone softening considerably. "Follow me to my office. We can talk there."
She turned and headed toward the office, and Zane Patterson and Annelise Valentine immediately followed.
The office wasn't large; you could even call it spartan. Most of the furniture had already been moved out, leaving only a sofa and an office desk.
Helena gestured for them to sit on the sofa, then pulled out two bottles of mineral water, handing one to each of them.
"Apologies for the spartan accommodations." Her tone held a hint of apology, but it was mostly frank and direct. "The factory's closing down. Almost everything that could be moved is gone."
Annelise Valentine accepted the water, her gaze settling on Helena's face.
