159: Not Funny

Camilla I bit back a sharp retort and forced myself to focus. I opened the laptop and began the presentation on the tech company and my recent work. Even with my efforts, I could feel sleep tugging at my eyelids, but I wiped my eyes and pushed through. When the meeting finally wrapped up, a few men approached to shake my hand. I managed a tired smile and thanked them. A woman leaned in and whispered, “You should really go take a shower.” I gave her a tight, fake smile as she walked away. Lucius then approached me, his expression calm. “Camilla, why were you late?” Before I could respond, the man who had snapped at me earlier stormed over. “You don’t deserve to be a businesswoman if you can’t even show up on time!” he yelled. I tried to ignore him, but he grabbed my hand. “Don’t walk away while I’m talking to you!” Lucius stepped in, his voice sharp. “Act mature. Camilla had a reason for being late.” The man’s face reddened as Lucius pulled his hand away from mine. I glanced betw