arring splash of color against the utilitarian beige and chrome. The chatter that had filled the room died down, replace

gruel. And these... these gray lumps? Are those supposed to be chicken?" She poked at a

hed. "Ms. Short, this is the staff cafeteria. We serve nutritious and balanced meals for our employees. O

it's just as bland and uninspired as this slop." She pulled a small, ornate cooler from her designer bag. "Luck

d perhaps add a few of these... vegetables to my plate." She reached for a serving spoon,

on, gently but decisively stopping her. "For health and safety regulations, outside food cannot be m

? You think my food is contaminated? This is organic, chef! Proba

Eldon insisted, unyielding. "They apply to

out that. Greyson will have something to say about your 'regulations'." She dialled furiously, her eyes never leavi

c spectacle, the ultimate test. Would Greyson side with the moral high grou

ene. He's refusing to let me eat my own food, citing some ridiculous 'health and safety' nonsense. He's being utterly disrespectful, telling me my food is contaminated!" She

a moment, his face growing paler. "Sir, with all due respect, these are standard health protocols. We cannot risk a food safety incident. It refl

ed understanding of what was happening. He didn't flinch. "Greyson, you know I upho

ne back to her ear, listening intently, then a triumphant, ugly smile spread across her face. "Yes, darling. Of course. I unde

at is going on down there? I'm in a critical negotiation with Mayor Thom

r of policy-" Eldo

y! She should be treated with the utmost respect and accommodation!" There was a brief, awkward silence, then Greyson's voice, colder, more cutting, "E

f shock and betrayal. He stood there, frozen, his shoulders slumping sli

t child. "I expect all staff present to extend their apologies to Ms. Short. This kind

malicious glee, swept over each of us, lingering on me. "Oh, and Greyson, darling," she purred into the phone, "that little trainee, Ella, the one who

apologize to Ms. Short immediately. This kind of disrespect is unacceptable. Do it, Ella

ncé. My partner. The man I loved. He had thrown me, me, the woman he swore to cherish, under the b

ad judgment. This was pure, unadulterated bet

y gaze drifted from Imogen's smug face to the phone she held, to Grey

y voice steady, dangerously quiet.