Liesa blinked, then glanced nervously over her shoulder. "Angus, don't scare me. No one sent me. There's no one behind me."
Angus's stare was cold, unwavering. He didn't seem amused by her attempt at humor.
Liesa cleared her throat and forced a professional smile. "If I told you that everything I've done was my own decision, would you believe me, Mr. Romano?"
Angus didn't answer, his gaze fixed on her. Liesa held his stare, calm and steady, until he pressed a speed dial number on his phone.
When the call connected, his voice was as cold as ice. "Get a few security guards…" Before he could finish, the scene in front of him blurred, and the next second, Liesa was half-kneeling in front of him—one hand bracing against the armrest of his wheelchair, the other pressing the red button on his phone.
Angus's eyes narrowed.
"I can explain everything, Mr. Romano," Liesa said, a smile tugging at her lips.
Due to her position, she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. Her chin lifted slightly, exposing her slender, pale neck. She wore a white lab coat over her shirt, but in her rush earlier, she'd forgotten to button the top button. It wasn't obvious when standing, but from this angle, there was a faint glimpse of cleavage.
"Get out." Angus's voice was barely a whisper, but the command was clear.
Liesa stood quickly, taking a step back. As she did, she yanked the phone's cord out of the socket.
"Thirty seconds," Angus said, his gaze flicking to his watch.
Liesa froze. "Thirty seconds? How many words can I say in thirty seconds? I don't think I'll have time to explain."
"Seventeen seconds."
Liesa's lips twitched, and she sighed. "Well, in that case, I guess I'll just tell the truth."
"Nine, eight, seven..."
"Because I like you!" Liesa interrupted, raising her voice to make sure he heard her.
Just as the words left her lips, the door burst open. Sam and a few security guards rushed in. Liesa's confession echoed through the room, hanging in the air like a strange weight. Angus froze, his gaze locking onto hers.
Sam hesitated at the door, looking between them before turning to Angus. "Mr. Romano, I couldn't get through to the rehab room, and I was worried. I took the liberty of interrupting. Apologies."
Sam paused, waiting for Angus's response, regret painting his face.
He thought,
Liesa's heart hammered in her chest. The confession had been her only hope—something to distract Angus, even if just for a moment.
From the moment she agreed to the pay cut, she knew Angus would start doubting her. His constant tests had only made her suspicions grow stronger. If she followed his instructions, she'd only fuel his distrust. But refusing outright would get her kicked out immediately.
So, she had to play it safe, step by step, trying to come up with a reason that would convince him, something that couldn't easily be checked. Telling him she liked him was the least risky excuse, something he might not check too closely.
But now, looking at Sam's expression, Liesa felt a wave of regret. She had thought it might work, but she'd forgotten who she was dealing with. Angus wouldn't keep anyone who had shown interest in him.
She sighed inwardly, already bracing for failure.
The rehab room fell silent. Everyone waited for Angus to speak.