The door closed behind them with a soft click as Stefan and Ruby stepped back into his office. The walls, still echoing the earlier tension, now felt heavier with silence.
Stefan let out a quiet breath and walked slowly toward his chair, his fingers brushing against the edge of the desk as Ruby guided him with gentle touches.
He didn't say anything at first. He simply sank into his seat, leaning back like a man who had just walked through fire.
Ruby remained standing, watching him. Her heart was still pounding—not from fear, but from the adrenaline of watching him command a room that had nearly turned against him.
It was both exciting and fulfilling. Though she didn't know why, not that she cared why, all she knew was that she felt really proud of him.
"You really were incredible in there," she said softly, walking over and kneeling beside his chair.
He tilted his head in her direction, lips curving into a tired smile. "You think so?" he asked with a sigh.
