CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

I was at my workstation, repeatedly checking the time. It was well past closing time, but Alex hadn't emerged from his office for us to leave. Concern started creeping in. I decided to check on him, worried that something might be wrong. God forbid he was already dead or struggling, and I was just sitting there oblivious, thinking he was still working.

I gently knocked on the door before entering. "Mr. Hernandez?" I called out but got no response.

He was seated at his desk, eyes closed, motionless. Panic gripped me as I doubted he was even breathing. I hurried to his side and shook him firmly. "Alex???"

His eyes flew open, and he glared at me coldly, his voice low and stern. "Get your hands off me."

I stepped back, flustered. "I'm sorry, sir. I thought something was wrong."

"Something was obviously wrong," he snapped, his jaw clenched tightly.

A knot formed in my stomach as dread washed over me. "What's wrong with you, sir?" I asked tentatively.

With a dismissive wave of his finger, h