Bella, who was desperate to ease her nerves, tilted her head. "You seem to know him. Do you… know the CEO personally?"
He smiled faintly, as though amused by her question. "Sort of."
Bella perked up, her curiosity overtaking her fear. "Then maybe you can tell me about him? What he's really like?"
Raymond glanced at Chloe, whose lips pressed tightly together, disappointment flashing in her eyes. "How about this — I take Bella up to her new office, and you head straight to yours?"
Chloe hesitated, her heart sinking. Every part of her wanted to follow — to keep standing by Raymond's side even if it meant just listening to him speak. But his voice left no room for argument. She forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course. Bella, good luck," she said, her tone brighter than she felt.
Bella glanced at her friend, then back at Raymond. "If you're sure, I—"
"I'm sure," he cut in smoothly, motioning for her to follow.
