Horace felt an urge to blame her for showing up unexpectedly while he was secretly meeting an old lover.

Rita waved her phone innocently. "I asked Sabrina to go shopping with me, but she hasn't arrived yet. I saw you through the window and thought I'd say hi... Is this your client?"

Kira looked at Rita with a smug, challenging expression. "I am..." she began, but Horace interrupted her. "Yes, this is Ms. Blakely, a client from the branch company."

Kira was left speechless, silenced by Horace's sudden shift.

Horace shot Kira a warning glance, and Kira lowered her head, saying nothing.