Austen’s expression softens. “Yeah. They’re excited.”
“I was thinking...” I hesitate for a beat. “Is it cool if Violet comes along?”
Austen raises a brow, amused. “Didn’t take you for a ‘bring your girl to the babysitting gig’ type.”
I smirk. “Didn’t take myself for one either.”
Austen chuckles. “Yeah, take her. You really like her, huh?”
I hold his gaze. “I do.”
“Good,” he says. “I’m glad it’s going well. I was wrong to think it wouldn’t work out.”
“It’s a good thing I didn’t listen to you.” I wink, standing, pausing before I step outside. “I’ll keep you posted on the Monarch situation.”
Austen nods, but I can tell the weight of it is pressing on both of us. We need to figure out who the hell is feeding Elliot information—before it’s too late.
I march back to my office, purpose driving each step. Whoever is behind this is either reckless or a fucking idiot if they think they can outmaneuver me. They’ll regret the day they were damn well born by the time I’m through with them.
Dropping into my chair, I blow out a breath, my gaze flicking to the window. Rain dots the glass, streaking silver against the muted gray skyline. The Monarch meeting replays on a loop in my head, the pieces still refusing to click into place. We should be finalizing the contract, not watching them pull back.
At least there’s one thing I can thank the Monarch deal for—bringing a certain someone into my life. The only person capable of cutting through my frustration.
Violet.
I grab my phone and shoot off a text.
ME
What are you doing?
I drum my fingers on my desk, waiting. A few minutes pass before my phone lights up.
VIOLET
In a meeting. Can't talk
I smirk. Like, that’s going to stop me.
As CEO, my needs take priority.
There’s a longer pause this time. My pulse beats in time with the three flickering dots.
VIOLET
Pretty sure HR would have some thoughts on that.
I let out a low chuckle.
If you want me to stop bothering you, have lunch with me.
VIOLET
That’s blackmail.
It’s an order—one o’clock. Don’t be late.
VIOLET
