CHAPTER NINETY SIX – VINDICATION

Barbara's perfectly arched brows hiked upwards, seemingly taken aback by her son's vehement support. For a long moment, the office was heavy with expectant silence. Finally, Barbara's shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly in what Kayla realized was a rare show of resignation. "Very well. I'll have the IT team analyze those photos to determine their authenticity." She leveled a cool look at Kayla. "But if it turns out my misgivings are justified, there will be consequences." As Barbara swept regally from the office, Kayla felt as though she could finally draw a full breath again. The tension bled from her body, leaving bone-deep weariness in its wake. "Thank you," she said thickly, turning to Lance with palpable gratitude. "For believing me and standing by me, even when..." He crossed the room in two long strides and enveloped her in his strong embrace. Kayla melted into the protective circle of his arms, hardly caring about the impropriety of such intimacy with her boss in that mo