Chapter 74: Say No
A heavy silence reigned over the room. It wasn’t the usual quiet that came after an argument or an awkward pause; it was the kind of silence that meant everyone was thinking the same thing but didn’t dare say it aloud.
Claude sat at the head of the room. His arms rested on both sides of the sofa while his face displayed no reaction at all. His cold gaze swept over the team before finally landing on me.
Piercing. Like I pulled something out of his secret box, and he blamed me for it. It’s not like I did it intentionally, but I just had to confirm my suspicion, so I’d know what to do.
"...You figured it out," he muttered, almost to himself.
"I can’t wait until you finally trust me and tell me about the secrets of the team. It’s unfair. I’ve been honest, mostly, from the very beginning. You still don’t trust me."
That’s an objective conclusion from all the facts I listed in my head. He didn’t want me to join the team; he didn’t include me in meetings; and I could feel his distrust.
He exhaled sharply, leaning back against his seat. I could tell he was having difficulty answering that. I shrugged my shoulders like it was no big deal, but my chest felt heavy.
The others exchanged glances, shifting in their seats.
Claude let out a dry chuckle. "You’re too damn perceptive."
Damn him. Did he have to admit it like that?
"So, it’s true?" I asked, already knowing the answer.