Page 30 of Her Courage

Three months ago, I was Charlotte Alexander, records clerk. Chronically single. Accident-prone and lonely. Did I mention hopelessly single?

Now I was Lottie. Director. Loved by three incredible men who made me feel cherished every single day.

I smiled, staring at nothing as my mind wandered to the future we could create together. Maybe a house with enough space for all of us. Kids someday, if that's what we all wanted. Growing old together, still making each other laugh⁠—

My email notification chimed.

The subject line made my blood turn to ice.

SUBJECT: Your Little Secret

My hands trembled as I clicked it open.

I know about your arrangement with Wulf, Volkov, and that professor. Quite scandalous, isn't it? Three men? How progressive. I wonder what the financial sector would think of their golden boy Kaleb Wulf being in such an... unconventional relationship. Could do serious damage to his business, don't you think?

If you want to keep this quiet, meet me at the park across the street. Immediately. Come alone, or I send everything to the press.

Tick tock, Charlotte.

My vision blurred. The park across the street. Right now.

I didn't think. Couldn't think. Only one thought pierced through the panic flooding my system.

Kaleb's business. His reputation. Everything he'd built could be destroyed.

I grabbed my phone and shoved it in my pocket, already moving toward the door.

"Lottie?" Ashlei called from her desk. "Your one o'clock⁠—"

"Cancel it," I said, not stopping. "Family emergency."

The lie tasted bitter, but I couldn't risk anyone knowing. Couldn't risk the blackmailer following through on their threat.

I took the stairs instead of the elevator—faster, and I wouldn't risk running into anyone who might delay me. Who the fuck cares if I have sweat marks under my arms. My heels clicked against the concrete as I descended floor after floor, my heart hammering.

Kaleb's business. Andrei's reputation. Colby's career at the college.

All of it could come crashing down because of me. Because I was selfish enough to want all three of them.

The fresh air hit my face as I burst through the lobby doors. The park across the street was small—just a few benches, some trees, a fountain in the center.

I crossed at the light, barely registering the honking cars as I jaywalked.

There. Sitting on a bench near the fountain.

A woman in an expensive cream-colored pantsuit. Perfectly coiffed blonde hair. Oversized sunglasses hiding her eyes.

My stomach dropped.

I knew that posture. That handbag.

Patrice Wulf-Huntington rose to her feet as I approached, a cruel smile spreading across her thin lips.

"Right on time, Charlotte." She removed her sunglasses, her cold eyes raking over me with disdain. "So obedient. I can see why they keep you around."

My hands clenched into fists at my sides. "What do you want?"

Patrice's smile widened, though it never reached her eyes. "Straight to the point. Good. I don't have time to waste on pleasantries." She gestured to the bench beside her. "Sit."