Justine’s office was quiet and still as Lylah slid the door sideways and entered without knocking—her presence a shadow cast against the doorframe.
Justine didn't look up as the door slid open.
“I told my secretary I didn't want to be disturbed,” he said, an unmistakable annoyance in his voice.
“Well...” Lylah started. “I let myself in, she isn't there. She left to use the restroom.”
Justine looked up at her, his brows twitching with irritation. “Lylah, I’m not in the mood for one of your performances today.”
She stepped forward. “This isn’t a performance. I came to ask you—beg you, if I must—to call off the mission, please.”
Justine stood, his movements sharp and swift. “Well I won't, Lylah. And even if I wanted to, it's already too late. Commander Harris already led them out for the first phase yesterday morning.”
Lylah froze. “Yesterday?”
He moved past her and strode briskly out of his office toward the stairwell. She followed, nearly stumbling after him. “You sent them out alrea
