Anne gripped her fork tightly, willing herself to remain composed as heat flushed her cheeks. She could feel the smug satisfaction radiating off him.
Anne's cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She worried Johnson might notice what Augustine was up to, but she wasn't about to back down.
"I don't need anything, Johnson," she said tightly, her fingers curling around Augustine's big toe and giving it a firm pinch.
Augustine's body stiffened instantly, a sharp gasp caught in his throat as he clenched the arms of his chair, trying to hold still.
Johnson whipped his head toward Augustine, concern etched across his face. "Are you alright, sir?"
"I'm fine," Augustine grunted through clenched teeth, attempting to pull his foot away, only for Anne to twist his toe tighter.
A soft groan escaped Augustine as pain registered clearly now.
"Are you sure?" Johnson's gaze flicked suspiciously toward Anne.
