Ryan sprang to his feet, shielding me as tea splashed onto his back. He let out a muffled groan.

There were gasps in the conference room. I quickly checked on Ryan, relieved that the water wasn't too hot.

I pushed Ryan away, slamming the table and startling everyone. Even Nelson trembled, his eyes flickering as he looked at me.

"This is outrageous! I did not expect such uncivilized behavior from Bourdamun managers. It’s no surprise that Bourdamun has been stuck in the past. It is stifling Orl