The Deal We Never Made

son

dn't help but feel their eyes slowly perching around me. Some were pitying me, others accusing. My phone couldn't stop vibrating on my desk, and I know what it was all about. I couldn't see the need to

gone live bare

eadline again, bold and acc

illionaire Behind the C

into exposing the truth. And yet, I couldn't help but have doubts, as sharp and cold, and the weight of w

ainted a targe

d something about treading carefully, but his reluctance only fueled my determination. B

of my choice pr

with a bang, and a man stormed in, his to

spite the anger in his dark eyes. His presence was intimidating as it got everyone's attention drawn to

. He was larger than life, even more in

his voice a low growl that

shoulders. "M

and lethal. He stared right into my face

he asked, in a calm tone, too calm. And

" I replied, my voice

eless accusations with the intention to destroy my reputation." He leaned closer, his voice dro

t I refused to flinch. "Every word in

"You wouldn't know evidence if it hit you in the face

of myself, his words like knives. I felt the sting of humil

his tone sharp and final. "Or you'll regret why y

in. "I won't t

oment, his composure slipped,

istake," he said,

lowing hard. "But I s

nt war of wills. Then, without another word, he turne

hands were shaking as soon as I sat down, but I refused to let anyone see it. I looked at th

-

as Harold, my editor looking uncom

started with h

hat was

not happy. I have been informed that Blackwell's team is consulting its

air against the tiled floor was lo

with me. "Madison, you're a good journalist, but this ...

iving up because the pressure is too much? Letti

s bigger than you, Mad

my pulse roaring in my ears. "You're making

didn't

being wronged that almost felt liberating. They could fire me.

-

y world, in my storm. Finally, the responsibility of making the decision lay a bu

n I needed to clear my head. I got my order from the cashier and th

ay?" she

muttered, clutching th

and tried to read the notes one more time. If Bla

, some doubt crept into my mind.

ne broke my train of thought.

ison," she began without eve

th," I said, my words shaky a

continued. "He's ruthless. If you think he

"Let him come. I ha

r tone softening. "You've worked too hard to

ough she couldn't

-

hrough the city. The lights blurred as exhausti

sed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. My phone b

impending legal action ag

x of fear and resolve

only the