By 6 p.m., the admin wing has quieted down, the hum of conversation and movement now replaced by the soft tick of the wall clock. Christian emerges from his office, shoulders a bit less tense than earlier, and notices Eliane still at her desk, typing out a final report.
He pauses by her side, his voice warm but apologetic. "Eliane, I'm sorry you had to stay past your time again. You should've been out of here an hour ago."
She looks up from her screen and smiles, calm and collected as always. "It's okay. I love the perks that come with it."
Christian raises a brow, amused. "Perks, huh?"
Eliane chuckles. "A quiet office, no traffic when I leave, a better chance at catching you in a good mood… what's not to like?"
He lets out a light laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Touché. Still, I appreciate you. Really. I know today was… a lot."
"It was," she agrees. "But I've seen worse. At least no one cried in reception this time."
Christian shakes his head, bemused. "Don't jinx it."
