CHAPTER THIRTY TWO – GOOD NEWS TO HEAR

Kayla marched towards the elevator, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. The confrontation with Lance was inevitable, and a nervous tremor ran through her fingers. Reaching his floor, she was met by Margaret, Lance's ever-so-stern secretary. "Mr. Storm is expecting you, Ms. Danvers," Margaret said in her clipped tone, "but he's currently… indisposed. Please, have a seat." Kayla forced a smile, the tense silence in the waiting area amplifying her anxieties. Minutes bled into what felt like an eternity. Finally, the door of Lance's office swung open, revealing Lana stepping out, her face flushed and a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, hey Kayla," Lana greeted, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "Didn't expect to see you here." Kayla offered a tight smile in return, her eyes darting past Lana to catch a glimpse of Lance's face. He was seated behind his desk, a frown creasing his brow. The door clicked shut behind Lana, and Kayla stood up, her annoyance bubblin