Why Should I Care?

Valentina's mind jumbled for an excuse. She let out a soft, nervous laugh, quickly retracing her hand from the desk and straightening up. “Oh, Mister Pablo, it’s you! You startled me. I was just… I was looking for some files that Missus Monteiro wanted me to find,” she said, faking a nervous smile.

Pablo crossed his arms, eyeing her skeptically, “Files? In Carmen’s private office?”

Valentina squirmed on her feet, trying to remain calm under his scrutiny. “Yes, she asked me moments ago while on her way to lunch to look for a report, I figured she’d have it here on her desk. I didn’t think it’d be a problem…sir.”

Pablo raised an eyebrow. “Without telling her? If it was on her desk, why would she ask you to look for it?”

“She’s so busy, and doesn’t have time to look for it. I thought I’d help her with it quickly and leave,” Valentina quickly fumbled for another explanation. She made a show of looking flustered, hoping to sell the lie.