Chai leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a victorious smile, as if he had just uncovered some great secret. "Hmm… just an employee, huh?" He twirled his fork idly before looking directly at me. "I don't know, Niran. It seems to me that my brother doesn't usually let just anyone into his personal space."
I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. The way Chai was watching me, like he was waiting for me to slip up, made my stomach tighten.
Chak remained silent, his expression unreadable, but I noticed the slight clench of his fingers against the edge of his plate. That small detail made my pulse quicken. Was he annoyed with Chai? Or with me?
Tarn tried to ease the tension with a forced smile. "Chai, don't tease him too much. It's obvious that Niran is just doing his job."
Chai chuckled, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Oh, of course. 'Just' doing his job."
The atmosphere grew increasingly uncomfortable. I could feel the heat creeping up my skin, even though the air conditioning was running. I lowered my gaze, focusing on my plate, hoping the conversation would shift to something else.
Then suddenly, Chak placed his napkin on the table and stood up. "We're done here." His voice was unusually sharp, and for a split second, even Chai looked surprised.
"Already?" Chai raised an eyebrow, his smirk unfaltering. "I thought we were just getting started."
Chak shot him a cold look. "If you're here to waste my time, you can leave."
Tarn quickly stepped in. "Alright, alright. Let's not turn this into an argument."
Chai smirked and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But, Niran—" His gaze locked onto mine, his grin almost too satisfied. "You're definitely different."
I wasn't sure whether to take it as a compliment or a warning.
---------
After lunch, I was cleaning up the kitchen when Chak casually said, "When you're done, get changed. We're going to the office."
I simply nodded, but my mind was still tangled in everything that had happened at lunch.
Chai's words. Chak's sudden coldness. The way he had ended the conversation so abruptly.
I shook my head, pushing those thoughts aside as I headed to my room.
As I stepped through the door, Leo lazily lifted his head from his bed and stretched, letting out a slow yawn.
"You really have an easy life," I muttered, scratching his fur. He purred in response, completely unbothered by my stress.
I changed quickly, opting for something neat but comfortable, and made my way outside.
Chak was already waiting by the black BMW. "Let's go," he said, his tone clipped and unreadable.
The silence in the car was suffocating.
I glanced at him a few times, trying to gauge his mood, but he was impossible to read. His fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel at a red light, his jaw set tight.
I opened my mouth to say something—anything—but then thought better of it and shut it again.
------
When we arrived at the office, I had barely stepped inside when Non greeted me.
"Niran! How's your cat?"
I blinked in confusion. "My what?"
"Your cat, Leo!" Non clarified, looking at me sympathetically. "Chak told us you were absent this morning because you had to take care of him. He said Leo broke his leg."
I stared at him. "I'm sorry… what?"
Non gave me an understanding smile. "If you need any help, let me know. My sister is a vet."
I barely managed to keep my expression in check and forced a smile. "Thanks… I'll think about it."
What the hell?
Why would Chak say that?
Leo was perfectly fine this morning. I had just petted him before leaving.
I stole a glance toward Chak's office, my heart pounding slightly.
At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and Chak walked in. His gaze flickered toward me for a brief second before he gave a barely noticeable nod.
I clenched my fists.
What is going on?
Without a word, I turned and headed toward Chak's office, determined to get some answers.