Chapter 172: Hanging Vines

Hazel wrapped up her work for the day, meticulously organizing the papers on her desk, ensuring everything was in its proper place. The office was quiet now, most of the staff having left, leaving only the hum of the air conditioning and the distant sound of traffic from outside. She glanced at the clock—half past six. It was the perfect time. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to do. The plan had been set in motion, and this was the first step. She knocked on Alexander's office door, her knuckles tapping lightly against the wood. A part of her was nervous, but she pushed it aside. She couldn’t afford to second-guess herself now. This was it—the moment she’d been waiting for. "Come in," Alexander's voice called from inside, firm yet welcoming. Hazel opened the door and stepped inside, closing it gently behind her. Alexander was sitting behind his desk, looking up from a stack of documents. His eyes softened when he saw her, probably expecting just anothe