“I love you,” I whisper against her lips.
“I love you too.” She smiles, bright and real. “Now let's go check on Logan. I think he might actually talk to you today.”
“Yeah?”
“I may have threatened to hide his phone charger if he didn't.”
I laugh, the sound surprising me. “You're terrifying.”
“You love it.”
I do. God help me, I do.
We walk down the hall together, Emma's hand in mine, toward whatever comes next.
CHAPTER 48
THE TRUE NORTH
EMMA
My boots hitthe polished floor with purpose.
I weave through the maze of desks, past the same people who whispered about me behind their monitors. The ones who swallowed every rumor Miles fed them instead of questioning a single word. Not one makes eye contact.
The elevator ride up to Thomas Hawthorne's office feels both too fast and too slow. I fidget with my bag's zipper until I'm in front of his open door. I knock twice.
“Emma.” He gestures to the chair across from his desk. “What can I do for you?”
I smooth my skirt, sit without leaning against the back of the chair.
“I'm here to tender my resignation.”
His eyebrows lift. “I see. May I ask why?”
“The situation with Miles exposed serious issues in this company's culture. The way it was handled made it clear that trust and accountability aren't priorities here.” I hold his gaze. “I can't be part of that.”
Thomas doesn't react right away. He watches me, the silence stretching long enough to make lesser people squirm.
I'm not one of them. Not anymore.
“I had no idea you felt this way,” he says finally. “Can you elaborate?”
“Acting on Miles's accusations without a proper investigation. Allowing gossip to spread unchecked, damaging reputations without evidence.” I sit back, fingers folded in my lap. “That's a symptom of a bigger problem. One that extends well beyond me.”
He opens his mouth.
“Frankly? I deserve better. Everyone in this office does.”
He grimaces. “You've given me a lot to think about.”
“Good.”
“Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”
“No. My decision is final.” I don't soften it. “I've documented everything and submitted detailed feedback through the exit process. I'd encourage you to read it carefully. Not for my sake, but for the people still here.”
He exhales, presses his lips together.
