Diesel stalked back and forth across your office, his agitation palpable. A deep furrow creased his brow, and his expression was a mix of worry and barely suppressed anger. "Don't you think you were a little too harsh on Alice back there?" he finally asked, raking a hand through his already disheveled hair. The gesture seemed to emphasize his frustration.

"Too harsh? Every single word I uttered was nothing but the unadulterated truth," you retorted, your voice sharp and unwavering. You fixed him with an intense, unwavering gaze that dared him to disagree. "If you're so concerned about her delicate sensibilities, then by all means, go. Go ahead and play knight in shining armor for your precious Alice." You turned abruptly, intending to leave the office, but paused with your hand resting on the doorknob.

"Start the car, Diesel. I'm absolutely exhausted," you commanded, your voice laced with a weariness that belied your earlier vehemence. You kept your back deliberately turned to him, expecting compliance.

"Fine, if that's how you feel, go on your own," he snapped back, his voice tight with resentment. He punctuated his words by slamming the car keys down on your desk with a resounding thud. The sound echoed in the tense silence of the room.

You whirled around, a look of utter disbelief and shock momentarily eclipsing your anger. "That's your job, Diesel," you protested, your voice rising in indignation. "I'll fire you if you—"

"Be my guest," he interrupted, his voice dangerously low. "Because as far as I'm concerned, my work here is done." With a weary gesture, he loosened his tie, as if shedding the last vestige of his professional obligations. Without another word or glance in your direction, he turned and strode out of your office, leaving you standing there in stunned silence, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.