She swallows hard, like she’s afraid to even consider taking a leap of faith in herself.
“And I’d make sure our morning coffees still fit into your job description,” I add, grinning.
Michelle’s lower lip trembles, just for a moment, before she nods and turns back to her tablet, diving into my never-ending to-do list for the next three days.
If I survive them, I’m spending the weekend locked inside, binge-watching corny rom-coms and inhaling every unhealthy snack under the sun. Probably ending it with a bottle of antacids and an existential crisis.
Anything to ignore the guilt eating me up inside. I should’ve seen this coming. Should’ve taken the threats more seriously. Increased security. Someone could’ve been hurt, and it would’ve been all my fault.
The loud knock on the door frame makes me jump. It’s only Joseph, but my nerves are a live wire. He looks haggard but is still carrying himself with his usual swagger. Robertson’s been a steady ally ever since I covered for Carter last year, and stayed when my brother stepped down and handed me the reins of the company.
“I was hoping I wouldn’t find you here,” he says, crossing his arms.
“Nobody will scare me out of myownoffice.”
The old man huffs. “I bet Carter is especially happy about it.”
“I think Eliza is forcing him to keep his mouth shut,” I say, half amused. She’s gone from being his landlord at the lake cabin to being the anchor he didn’t know he needed. He’s a better man with her by his side, and our entire family is lighter for it. I adore her for the way she loves him. “But the overbearing security team and Logan’s constant hovering speak louder than words.”
“Nobody has answers yet,” Joseph says, glancing over his shoulder. “We can’t be vigilant enough.” Then an unexpected grin breaks out across his face. “At least right now, I can tell you you’re in for a good surprise for a change.”
Before I can ask him what he means, he steps aside, and a redheaded tornado barrels toward me, arms out. Eliza nearly lifts me off the ground, crushing me in the most comforting of hugs.
“They wouldn’t let me come earlier,” Eliza says into my hair, squeezing tighter before she grabs my shoulders and holds me at arm’s length to inspect me.
She’s radiant. Her light shines so bright it warms everything around her, and I’ve never been more grateful that the universe brought her to us.
“Everything’s fine now,” I tell her. “See, I’m in one piece.”
My hand glides over hers, and my fingers snag on something solid. My breath hitches.
I’d recognize that ring anywhere. The ruby and diamonds sparkling on my mother’s finger until my father’s funeral.
I blink, already tearing up. “Tell me this is what I think it is.” Eliza becomes a fuzzy blur of happiness.
“Well, this isn’t how we wanted to tell you.” Her grip on my fingers tightens, and she presses her lips together, taking me in with a hint of caution.
I sniff and attempt to hold myself together. “This is the best news you could give me!” The huge smile is starting to hurt, but I’m incapable of dialing it down.
“Your mom kind of knows already,” Eliza says, laughing. “Otherwise, you’d have been the first to know.”
“Well, obviously. I don’t see Carter sneakily breaking into my mom’s jewelry box.” I gasp. “The old minx. She didn’t even flinch when I was babbling about how long it would take my brother to pop the question.”
We’re beaming at each other, crying, holding hands, when Joseph’s baritone brings us back to reality. “This deserves a celebration.”
Eliza hesitates. “Oh. It’s alright. You have more important—”
“Don’t youdarefinish that sentence,” I cut in, laughing through the happy tears. “I’ve got it covered.”
For the first time all week, my lungs loosen. I let myself feel something other than panic and guilt. I hold on to the joy for a moment longer, until it settles in my chest.
Diane Cox scans her notes one last time before her producer gives us the signal that we’re live. Interviews don’t usually rattle me, but Diane’s different. She’s an investigative reporter with the nose of a bloodhound and a surgeon’s precision. Her sit-downs are ruthless, and I know better than to expect her to go easy on me.
The studio lights burn hotter today, but I do my best not to fidget, especially when her stare cuts through me.
“You’re the first woman to run one of the Big Five tech companies in the country,” she starts off casually. “How do you feel you’ve adjusted to the role after your brother handed you the position?”
Straight in for the kill.
