******************Aubrey’s pov*****************
A week had passed, and once again I found myself standing in front of Ryder's towering office building. The mere thought of facing him again churned my stomach, but I knew I couldn't avoid it any longer. As I stepped into the pristine lobby, all marble floors and polished wood, I approached the receptionist. She barely looked up from her computer screen.
"Mr. Wolfe is currently in a meeting," she stated simply, with no hint of warmth or hospitality. Her dismissive tone matched her indifferent expression as she informed me.
I forced a tight smile and took a seat in the sleek waiting area. An hour went by, then two, then three. Each time I went back to the receptionist to ask for an update, I received the same dismissive answer. By the fourth hour, my patience had worn thin.
"I don't care if he's in a meeting," I snapped in frustration. "Just call him and tell him I'm here."