Across from them, Ashcroft went rigid—his jaw tightening further, eyes narrowing as the voice settled in.
Damien, meanwhile, leaned back slightly, a slow, knowing smirk threatening to surface as he took in the room.
Cruz glanced at Ashcroft, a subtle smirk tugging at his lips before he answered smoothly,
“Yes, Ms. Harper. We’re here.”
Harper’s voice came through, bright and full of energy.
“Oh good! Sooo… how was the trip? Did you guys enjoy the extra snacks I sent over? Oh—and the snuggle blanket? Did you use it? They’re comfortable, aren’t they?”
Monroe cleared his throat, while James turned slightly to the side, coughing in a poor attempt to cover a laugh.
Then Damien spoke.
“Good evening, Ms. Lin.”
Silence.
A sudden clatter echoed through the tablet—something falling—followed
