Ellis had completely immersed herself in work after the tense conversation with Ross. Focused on her projects, she didn't even notice time passing until her phone rang, breaking the silence in her office. She looked at the screen and saw it was a call from John. With a sigh, she answered.

"Hi, John," she said, her voice revealing a hint of fatigue.

"Hello, Ellis," John's voice sounded gentle and warm at the other end of the line. "I just wanted to let you know that I've picked up ...