Vance's Ire and the Dawning Truth

The walk to Mr. Vance's office seemed to take forever. With each echoing step down the hallway, my stomach twisted tighter. Rhys walked beside me, practically bouncing with nervous energy, while Mr. Vance strode ahead of us like a storm cloud about to break.

When we finally reached his office, Mr. Vance held the door open. "Inside," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for hesitation.

I stepped into the elegant office, immediately noticing how the late afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. Mr. Vance moved to stand behind his massive desk while Rhys and I remained awkwardly in the center of the room.

"Sit," Mr. Vance ordered.

We both dropped into the leather chairs facing his desk. I perched on the edge of mine, too tense to lean back.