Chapter 71. Pressure

Vanessa’s POV

Monday morning.

The hallway echoed with my laughter—Matt had just said something stupid, something about coffee beans having feelings when you grind them too early in the morning, and them revenging by upsetting your stomach. I didn't know when I burst out in laughter. I made a small scenery in my head of how the coffee would probably hunt Mr. Garcia if that were true.

And for a moment, I forgot about the office tension. About the constant pressure I was getting from him, and about the countdown he gave me.

My relief was short-lived before I heard it.

The sound of sharp shoes clicking the tiles.

Measured. Heavy.

I didn’t even need to look up to know who it was. My laugh froze midway, caught somewhere between my chest and throat. My lips were still parted in a smile when I turned and found Mr. Garcia standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, eyes narrowed.

And dear God, he looked furious.

“Will