Texts unanswered, calls ignored, and now a closed door—each rejection builds a wall of hopelessness.
The next morning, walking to work and listening to songs I barely register, my phone chimes with a text from Wendy:Jake told us to meet him at the other branch. Are you coming?
I freeze in place. What’s this all about? No one informed we’d be going to Pineridge. I start to run.
Once inside the building, I head toward my desk as fast as I can. Amanda hovers there. She just doesn’t give up.
The closer I get the more apparent it becomes that she’s watching Jake’s video. I know I left my screen locked. How in the world does she know my password?
I’m about to place my hand on her shoulder and demand answers when she suddenly twists to face me, that arrogant sneer I detest so much plastered on her mouth like a fake tattoo.
“There you are,” she says with phony politeness.
I glance at the computer. Jake’s video has been replayed. “You had no right.”
A scoff escapes her lips. “That’s not what you should be worried about.” She steps closer, and I have to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. She’s done something awful—of thatI’m sure—and it most likely has to do with Jake’s team relocating to another town. But before I can demand answers, she says, “Judy wants to see you immediately.” Her sneer turns into a more sinister smile. “It’s the end of the line for you, rookie.”
Chapter 17
Iglare at Amanda, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. “This video is private,” I say.
Her expression doesn’t shift a millimeter. Like a cat toying with a cornered mouse, she tilts my screen toward me, that smug smirk spreading wider across her lips.
Jake’s confession has been exposed to the very last person who should see it. She has no sense of decency.
“You can’t just go through my emails,” I snap, stepping closer, trying to intimidate her with proximity. “Get out.”
Amanda stands her ground, her arms crossed over her chest. “I knew there was something you were trying to hide yesterday,” she fires back. “What did you expect?”
“Privacy,” I say. “And a little respect.”
Her mocking laughter gets under my skin every time I hear it. “Respect? Don’t be ridiculous.” She tosses her sleek hair over one shoulder, scanning me from head to toe as if contemplating if I should be endowed with further explanation. “You haven’tdone anything to deserve it. Everyone knows you’re the reason Jake left the branch.”
“What are you talking about?”
She leans in, her words like poison. “Jake left because of you. Because of your history with him.” Her voice drops to a hiss. “You made him leave—admit it.”
Heat rising to my cheeks, I lift my chin and plant my feet firmly. “I didn’t make him do anything. And our history is none of your business, so get off my back about it.”
“Oh, but it is.” The distance between us shrinks to nothing, her face so close I can see the insane amount of foundation on it. For one wild moment, I think she might actually headbutt me. “Things were going perfectly fine between us, then you showed up.”
I scoff, bitterly. “I doubt it.”
Her lips purse, twisting into a grimace of barely controlled rage. “It doesn’t matter—you won’t be around much longer, anyway.”
Cold dread shoots down my spine, raising goosebumps along my arms. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Taking a deliberate step back, Amanda smooths her wrinkle-free blouse. “You’ll find out soon enough. But here’s a hint—you can kiss your career goodbye.”
The realization of what she’d done dawns on me. “You told on us?”
“I’m just following the rules.” Self-importance drips from every syllable, her tone so condescending it makes my jaw clench.
Fresh anger surges through me, straightening my spine. “Two can play that game. I know you and Tim are up to something.” My words tumble out faster now, gaining momentum. “You’re trying to sabotage Jake, and I’m going to make sure Judy knows about it.”
For the briefest moment, her triumphant expression falters. Then, the mask slides back into place. “You think anyone will believe you?” She laughs, the sound brittle and forced. “Go ahead. Tell the boss your little conspiracy theory. See how far it gets you. But trust me, it won’t end well.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” I say with confidence. Seems to me like she’s the one afraid of how things might turn out. I’ve caught Tim red-handed, and she knows it. No matter how composed she appears, deep down I know she’s as afraid of losing her position at this company as I am.
