Chapitre 42: CHAPTER 42: A Dangerous Dance

　　The sterile perfection of Nicola Westcott's office offered little comfort as I sat across from her desk. The tension in the air was thick, a storm brewing just beneath the surface. I wasn't surprised to receive her summons first thing this morning.

　　Leaving the party last night without her knowledge was a calculated risk, and I knew it wouldn't take long for her to say something.

　　Dressed in a tailored white pantsuit, her blonde hair pulled back in a tight chignon, she exuded an air of icy control. No pleasantries were exchanged and she wasted no time cutting to the chase.

　　"Evelyn," she began, her voice clipped and businesslike, "Leaving a social gathering, particularly one hosted on ‘your' behalf, without informing me is a breach of protocol."

　　"I apologise, Mrs. Westcott-Gray" I replied, my voice measured. "I wasn't feeling well. I felt a bit dizzy and tired. Didn't want to cause a scene or disturb anyone."