A few hours later, the atmosphere in Kai's office was heavy enough to press against the walls.
Alicia sat in the chair in front of his desk with her head hung low, her hands folded in her lap like a child waiting to be scolded.
She had not looked up since the footage began playing. HR had reported the incident to Kai after Gloria placed a formal complaint, and by the time he'd finished watching the recording, his jaw had gone so tight he thought his teeth might crack.
Gloria stood very still in the corner, her face a careful mask of professional neutrality. Beside her, Jessica stood with her arms crossed, her gaze fixed firmly on a spot somewhere past Kai's shoulder.
She looked tired. More than tired. There was a faint bruise forming on her elbow, and her hair was slightly mussed where Alicia had grabbed it.
Kai closed the laptop and looked up.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" he asked Alicia.
