“Is this the part where you finally admit you’re in love with Blair?”
I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face.
“Something like that. I’ll just say that working at TWA is now a conflict of interest. The last time my career aspirations were tangled around someone I was in love with, I didn’t make the right decision.”
“I hate that he got in the way of your relationship back then.”
“It’s not all on him. I pulled back when he said she was selfish and didn’t care about what was best for me. It didn’t feel that way, but at the time, he was persuasive. I’m not blaming him totally. I know now that I should’ve trusted Blair enough to be honest with her. I won’t make that mistake again. I’ve pre-empted any attempt he could make to incentivize me to stay here.”
“No, you can’t let him control your life. I understand, Wyatt.”
She wraps her hand around mine and gives it a squeeze. A layer of concern still lies over the happiness I see on her face.
“So, my conversation with Blair makes so much sense now. Similar to what you alluded to a few weeks ago, she suggested I wait to decide about signing with her until after the merger is over.”
“I think that’s smart, Sophia. If you need anything in the meantime, you know Blair will help you. I’m always here to support anything you need, too.”
“Thanks for that,” Sophia says. “I appreciate it. I’m definitely signing with Blair just as soon as she figures out what her next move is.”
I’m pretty sure I know what’s next for her, so I tell Sophia I need her help with a surprise for Blair.
The view from my father’s office looks over Sunset Blvd. and out toward the Hollywood Hills. The smog in the air is thick today, making the houses nestled in the mountain look glazed over and more like push pins on a bulletin board.
I think about how quickly life can change as I wait for him to arrive. Strangely, I’m not nervous. There’s almost an excitement pulsing through me at the thought of never having to see this view again.
The door swings open, and my father strides in with his usual commanding presence.
“Wyatt,” he says curtly, closing the door behind him. “I assume you have an explanation for your radio silence last night.”
I take a deep breath, meeting his steely gaze. “Yes, I'm resigning from the firm,” I say, the words leaving my mouth with determined confidence. “I've accepted a position at Hays and Cole.”
The silence that follows is suffocating. For a second, I think he didn’t hear me, but then his jaw tightens.
“I see,” he says, his voice cold and measured. “After everything this family has invested in you, you're just going to walk away?”
“This isn't about walking away.” I walk across the room to face him straight on. “It's about pursuing the career I want, making my own decisions.”
He takes an intimidating step closer. “This is about chasing that woman.”
“Blair has nothing to do with this. This is about me choosing what’s right for me.”
He raises an eyebrow, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.
“You think Hays and Cole will tolerate your distractions? Please, I’ve had to cover for you on more occasions than you even realize. You’ll never make it there.”
“Look, I appreciate everything you’ve done. There’s no denying that a good part of my success is because of you?—”
“Spare me the sentimental drivel. Unfortunately, you can’t leave. Your departure will jeopardize the TWA project. You're leading it, and we're too far along to replace you without consequences.”
“I've already met with their legal teams and Lance,” I interject. “I’ve passed over everything they’ll need. They are a smart team, they'll manage just fine.”
“This is a mistake, Wyatt. And mistakes have consequences—not just for you.”
A chill runs down my spine. “What does that mean?”
“You crossed the line when you chose personal indulgence over professional duty.” He adjusts his cufflinks, his movements deliberate. “And I do what’s necessary for the business, Wyatt. You should know that by now.”
For a moment, I’m at a loss for words, my heart pounding in my chest. But then it hits me. This is exactly why I’m leaving. I can’t be part of this anymore—this manipulation, this power play. I won’t let him control my life any longer.
