The elevator dings at the twenty-eighth floor, and I step out into the reception area braced for Piper’s particular brand of passive-aggressive pleasantry.
Except she’s not here.
Instead of Piper’s carefully curated beauty and designer wardrobe, there’s a pleasant-looking woman in her fifties wearing a navy cardigan and an actual genuine smile.
She glances up from her computer as I approach, and there’s zero recognition in her expression. No ulterior motives, no hidden commentary, just... warmth?
“Good morning!” she says brightly.
“Morning,” I manage, thrown completely off-balance. “Um. What happened to Piper?”
“The last receptionist? Mr. Rossi let her go yesterday.” She says it so casually, like she’s commenting on the weather. “I’m Margaret. From the temp agency.”
Let her go.
Corporate euphemism for fired.
Nico fired Piper.
“Oh.” I blink at her, my brain trying and failing to process this information. “That’s... I didn’t realize.”
He did it for me.
Of course he did it for me.
I badge through and Margaret waves me on with that warm smile, and I distinctly feel like I’ve stepped into an alternate reality.
Cressida catches my eye as I pass her desk. She gives me a subtle thumbs up. I manage something like a smile in return.
And then I’m standing outside his office.
Through the glass walls, I can see him at his desk. He’s wearing a navy suit today, no tie, collar open just enough to show the hollow of his throat. His dark hair is slightly disheveled, and he looks exhausted.
Good.
No, that’s mean. I don’t actually want him to suffer.
Okay, maybe a little.
As I approach, I have the distinct impression that he’s watching me, even though his head is held ostensibly down as if he’s concentrating on some document.
I knock once.
“Come in,” he calls.
I push open the door before I lose my nerve.
Those dark eyes find mine immediately. “Bree.”
I cross to the chair across from his desk and sit. “I read your offer.”
“And?” he presses.
“It’s generous.” I pull the folder from my bag. My hands are steady. I’m proud of that. “But I can’t accept it.”
His face goes carefully blank. That CEO mask sliding into place. But I catch a flicker of pain in his eyes.
“Why not?” he asks.
