"What are you doing here?"
Adelina had already seen Catherine before she even stepped out of the car.
She acted like she hadn’t noticed, walked into the hospital with Lance, and then made up some excuse about forgetting something so she could come back alone.
Catherine gave her a polite nod. "Adelina."
Her tone was calm and respectful, not too cold, not too warm, just right.
"Cut the act," Adelina snapped.
No matter how well Catherine behaved, Adelina couldn’t help seeing her as a threat.
"Running to Lance with your little complaints, trying to mess things up between us. You really are something."
"Adelina, there’s no need to treat me like this. I’m just Lance’s secretary. I’ll be leaving soon anyway."
Catherine spoke evenly, her face steady.
A bit of Adelina’s anger faded, but she wasn’t ready to let it go. "Even if you stay, it won’t stop Lance from getting engaged to me. You’re not going to keep him from marrying me."
It was the coldest part of winter in Cabinda.
They stood in a drafty corner where the wind seemed to find its way into Catherine’s coat, chilling her all over.
Finally, Adelina seemed satisfied.
"First day back after the holidays, I want your resignation on my desk."
She gave her ultimatum, turned around, and headed back inside.
Catherine glanced after her for a second, then looked away.
She made her way to her car, bracing herself against the biting wind.
***
In Fiona’s hospital room.
Lance arrived first, carrying a food container that was still warm.

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