David Bennett stared at Alex for a second longer, as if confirming he wasn't imagining things. Then a wide, genuine smile spread across his face.
"Well, I'll be damned…" he said, standing up from his chair. "Look who finally decided to come back."
He walked around the desk without any of his usual formality and clapped a hand on Alex's shoulder, giving it a firm, almost proud squeeze.
"My favorite junior returns," David said with a low laugh. "You've grown even more insufferable, I can already tell."
Alex smiled. "It's good to see you too, David."
Claudia watched the exchange with an amused expression, arms lightly crossed.
"I'll leave you two to catch up," she said, already stepping back toward the door. "Try not to talk his ear off too quickly, David."
David glanced at her. "Have someone bring coffee. The good one. Not that weak nonsense from the third floor."
Claudia gave a small salute with two fingers. "Understood."
