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“And in the meantime, what happens to him?”
I’m afraid to hear my coworker’s answer:
He’ll remain in his position pending an internal investigation…
He’ll continue to work as director while HR gathers information…
He’s presumed innocent until proven guilty, you know how it is.
“Don’t worry about that, there’s no way he’ll ever set foot in King Productions again. After landing him with one hell of a right hook, King fired him on the spot.”
“He really did that?”
“I thought he was going to tear him to bits, but Clarence held him back.”
“So, everyone knows?”
“I don’t think so. There weren’t many people still around by then. There’s already been an official email announcing Wilson’s dismissal sent to all the employees, but it doesn’t say why. And anyway, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Thanks, Sophie.”
Suppressing a shiver, I tighten the towel around my body.
“I shouldn’t have left you alone for a second. I should have forced you to get into that cab… I knew he was after you,” she says softly.
“You can’t blame yourself either!”
“Well, I’m going to tell everyone you’re out of the office today. There’s no way you’re coming in. I’ll head over to your place tonight after work. Can Clarence come, too? He already asked what he could bring. Ice cream, marshmallows, and my granny’s herbal tea. Sound good?”
In the middle of all this, I realize I have good people around me. I haven’t ruined everything.
***
I sense he’s there even before I see him. The subtle scent of Ciao Amore reaches me as I step out of the bathroom. I walk into the living room and discover that my instinct wasn’t wrong: Vadim King is indeed in my apartment, sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee in his hand. He doesn’t scare me. But his steely gaze locks onto mine, and I have to fight back my tears of shame once again. I tighten the belt of the white bathrobe wrapped around me and go sit in one of the beige armchairs near the window.
He runs a hand through his hair before breaking the silence. “Wilson’s replacement is named Kate Monroe. She’s from Fox and will be starting in a few days.”
His voice is meant to sound calm and assured, but I’m not fooled. His jaw clenches, and his gaze slips away from mine.
“Did you spend the night here?”
“Yes. I didn’t want to leave you alone. I was planning to leave very early this morning, but… I just needed to know if you were okay.”
“Thanks for bringing me home. And for helping me… last night.”
It isn’t easy to get those words out.
“When I saw him on top of you…” he replies in a voice thick with emotion.
He pulls himself together.
“I’m sorry, Alma.”
“Me too… for everything,” I murmur, feeling foolish.
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
His words disarm me, and my eyes are drawn to his. Even in dark jeans and a simple, gray sweater, with dark circles under his eyes, messy hair, and a troubled expression, he is breathtakingly handsome.
