The moment Gareth's cold gray eyes landed on us, Elliot let go of my arm as if burned. His spine straightened, shoulders back, and that smug, arrogant expression he always wore melted into something more polished, controlled, and respectful.
"Chairman Laken," he greeted with forced calm, his voice just loud enough to sound confident but not draw attention.
Gareth didn't respond.
His gaze remained locked on me, then flicked briefly to where Elliot's hand had been gripping me just seconds before. His jaw tensed ever so slightly. Not a word came from his mouth, but the message was loud and clear.
He didn't like what he saw.
Elliot shifted beside me, waiting, expecting a reply or even a nod. But Gareth didn't even glance his way.
Instead, he raised one hand in a slow, deliberate motion and gestured for me to follow him.
