The voice came from behind him, light, almost teasing. Raymond stiffened. He hadn't heard her approach. Of course, he hadn't.
He turned slowly to find Janet standing there, a playful smile tugging at her lips, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, and something else he couldn't quite place. She stepped closer and gave him a small, friendly push on the arm.
"Congratulations," she added warmly. Raymond forced his expression to soften, but the tension lingered in his shoulders, coiled tight beneath the surface. Why is she always everywhere? The thought flickered through his mind, sharp and immediate.
"Thank you," he managed, his voice steady, too steady.
Janet tilted her head slightly, studying him like she was trying to read between the lines he wasn't saying. "So that's why you needed the job so badly," she continued, her tone thoughtful now, though still laced with that easy charm. "Well… I'm sure your wife will be happy to know you have one."
