Mandy's eyes lit up, flickering with a hopeful gleam as she glanced at Dustin, silently begging for his help. Maybe—just maybe—he would step in and soften the situation for her. But to her dismay, Dustin didn't utter a single word. He only stared back, quiet and unmoving.
Her lips twisted, sulking like a child who didn't get her way. So this is how it's going to be? She folded her arms for a moment before huffing out loud.
"Fine! It's just one apology anyway," she muttered, though her voice carried more pride than humility. "I'll do it!"
With that, Mandy pushed herself up from her seat, every step toward Amari's office heavier than the last. Her stomach churned as if she had swallowed a bucket of stones. What if Amari humiliates me? What if she uses this moment to get back at me for everything I've said?
Still, she raised her trembling knuckles and knocked.
"Come in," Amari's calm voice floated through the door.
