He nodded slowly, guilt softening his expression. "You're right," he murmured. "I just… hate to see her like this and not be able to help."
Chloe gathered her things, her irritation ebbing into tired sympathy. "I know. We all do. But next time, try listening instead of saving."
Before he could respond, she stood, slung her bag over her shoulder, and walked away, her quick strides echoing down the hall as she went after Bella.
Bella's office was quiet when Chloe arrived. The door was slightly ajar, and through the narrow opening, she could see her best friend sitting at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. The monitor was on, but nothing was moving—no typing, no clicking, no life.
Chloe knocked gently before slipping in. "Hey," she said softly. "I told him off for you."
Bella's lips twitched faintly, though it wasn't quite a smile. "You didn't have to. He was just trying to help."
