Chapter 30

Frustration simmered beneath the surface as Adrian tackled his work. He made calls, barked orders, and even slammed his laptop shut in irritation. Mr. Turner, ever cautious, kept his distance. Anything he did seemed to further irritate his already volatile boss.

Despite the laser focus on his tasks, Adrian couldn't shake Ashleigh's words. Her accusations about his contribution to her workload echoed in his mind, successfully evoking a pang of guilt. The shrill ring of the phone shattered his concentration. He glared at Mr. Turner, who held the phone out with a questioning look.

"Sir, it's Dr. Brooke, Ashleigh's tutor," Turner announced.

"Answer it and hand it over," Adrian instructed, snatching the phone from Turner's grasp.

"Mr. Cagliari, good afternoon. I've been trying to reach you for weeks," Dr. Brooke's voice came through the line. "Your secretary mentioned you were unavailable."

"Yes, Dr. Brooke, business has been demanding lately," Adrian explained, omitting his earlier instru