Chapter 18: A Sudden Interruption

Chapter 18: A Sudden Interruption Pamela's lips parted, and she was about to spill the secrets she'd been keeping hidden for so long. James's eyes were fixed on hers, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. But just as she was about to begin, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. James's head turned towards the door, and Pamela's heart sank. She knew that sound, that gait. It was John, and he was walking towards them. James's eyes flicked back to hers, a hint of understanding in their depths. He seemed to sense that she wasn't ready for John to walk in on this conversation. Pamela felt a surge of panic. She couldn't let John interrupt her confession. Not now, not when she was on the verge of revealing everything. But it was too late. The door swung open, and John strode in, a look of concern etched on his face. "James, I need to speak with you," he said, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Pamela. James's expression turned neutral, and he took a step back, his eyes never leaving Pamela's face. "What is it, John?" he asked, his voice measured. John hesitated, his eyes flicking to Pamela before returning to James. "It's about the project," he said, his voice low. "We've had a development. One of the team members has gone missing." Pamela's heart skipped a beat. She felt a shiver run down her spine as John's words hung in the air. This was exactly what she needed – a distraction from her confession. James's eyes narrowed, and he turned to John. "Tell me more," he said, his voice intense. As John began to explain the situation, Pamela felt her mind racing. She knew she had to use this interruption to her advantage. She could compose herself, gather her thoughts, and then continue her confession when the time was right. For now, she would play the role of the concerned colleague, and let John and James deal with the crisis at hand. But she knew that this was only a temporary reprieve. Eventually, she would have to face James again, and reveal the truth about her past. As John and James began to discuss the project, Pamela pushed her chair back and stood up, a calm smile on her face. "I'll leave you to it," she said, her voice light. "I have some work to catch up on." James's eyes locked onto hers, a hint of understanding in their depths. He knew that she was stalling, but he also knew that she needed time. For now, he let her go, his eyes following her as she walked out of the room. Pamela felt a sense of relief wash over her as she closed the door behind her. She had bought herself some time, but she knew that she couldn't hide forever. Eventually, she would have to face James, and the truth would have to come out.