Silent Regret

t just enter the of

ind out, Louisa? Or did you just t

vy stack of financial reports crashed onto my desk. My lukewarm coffee tipped over,

blazer buttoned with military precision. That smirk she reserved

e sure everyone heard. I trusted you to double-check my entry. My reputation is on t

refusing

Those aren't the figures I sent last night.

hed sharp

oney. Everyone sees it. The board sees it. You're lucky I'

watched me hit save on the verified data. Two days ago, he'd whispered he'd always have my back while his hand

idn't l

nior executive in history. I earned it with long nights, missed meals, and stubborn ambitio

r things

t her for her birthday last month. The board meets in ten minutes. I've alrea

h. I stood frozen, the weight of judgmental stares crushing me. I wasn'

ying across the screen to trace the file change. I walk

original files. You were there when I finished the

lled conference room. Then bac

she'd tell them about us. The non-fraternizati

right now! You're choosi

, turning back to his

n Blackmore simply withered. No time to mourn. I had five minut

acing. Clara had my password. She had planned thi

fire door

mbled back, expecting a security guard. Instead, I f

me. Dark hair swept back. Tall, impossi

cution, Miss Vale. His v

what you call it? I

erous. He stepped closer, picked up my tablet, and han

redators only win when prey forgets they have t

ng me this? You d

oes the work and who takes credit. You're about to become very in

mmediate suspension.

n at him. Thoughts of Clara

n it down, I whispered.

If you want revenge, you'll have to take it now. Once we walk through those do

ecutive elevators without c

to close, but a

ed, Louisa, wait! Don't go with

n I needed a voice, then at the man offering a weapon. I presse

old and steady. He's the man who isn't si

t look at me, but the corner of his mouth

My old life and re