Chapter 64

Sebastian I answered the phone while dismissively waving away the office full of executives who'd been attempting to flex their seniority through political maneuvering. Their hasty exit couldn't have been more transparent—each one practically sprinting for the door as if their lives depended on it. "Cecilia, is something wrong?" I asked, pressing the phone to my ear, maintaining my characteristically cool tone. "It's just that—I was scheduled to return to work the day after tomorrow since my leg has healed, but I need to visit my grandmother," Cecilia explained. "I'd like to request another week off." Her voice maintained its usual composure, but I could detect the slight tremor beneath her words. She was putting on a brave face, though I knew better. I remained silent for several seconds. "You seem to be developing quite the taste for playing hooky, Cecilia. Don't tell me you're planning to milk that workplace injury forever?" I finally replied, my tone deliberately provocative. "No,