ne's

se in my chest and put on my usual c

ary Wallace, just called. She said upper management sent a direct notice that

ond, I pulled out my

e one who insisted Sia had potential and pushed us to sign that contract. Now you're cut

eath to steady myself. "Mary, I'll look int

I headed straight f

n my mind. Nancy Wal

ad always been clear. Over the past three years, sh

aw her leaning against her desk,

she said, her voice carrying a hint of mockery. "Wha

to her, my voice turning sharp. "The board already finalized th

right? Lianne, do you really believe you got that position because you deserved it? If Alpha wasn't

to question!" I held her gaz

t she wouldn't drag my father into it. He had

ear. "Don't think I'm clueless. You've been riding in Alpha's car every day, trying to get hi

and I had been toget

was nothing more than someone clinging t

across the face. The sound echoe

pped to the side

as she looked at me in sh

ied, my voice cold as I stared at her and lifted my han

e down, a strong grip ca

dalwood that came with it was familiar,

nd my eyes

d there was nothing in his

ed to explain, "She was

f. His voice was low, but th

hing heavy had struck me straight i

s grip tightening around my wrist unt

ision, I noticed people g

rried sympathy, and others simply watched with

emeanor, shrinking closer to Et

one, he chose to strip away my dignity for another woman. Or maybe it wa

, lowering my head as the words

ancy said, her voice filled with

tasted blood, then forced my

cy muttered with a satisfied smile befor

n let go of my wrist and

behind us, everything I had been

" I demanded, my voice ch

and asked, "Did you read the Rejection? I

st, and tears gathered in my eyes,

ant?" I asked, putting everyt

n heir meant

hesitate. I hoped he would re

filled t

ps. "Lianne, are you really willing to say anything just to st

ard me, each step closing the distanc

but his voice carried no warmth at all. "Even if t