ssa

ice cafeteria felt particularly h

hand, and saw them imme

try. His hand was on her knee under the table. I saw th

it. A new watch

bracelet. Adorned with

ere ma

watch, the one I' d given him years ago.

ys y

Replaced. J

e, his brow furrowed. "Alissa, y

ng a smile. "As

ugh. Everyone knows the Kestrel deal was your

is, Mark." My

ust know, we all see i

cial project board. "Kestre

oudly displayed,

The success, my success. But the ow

e washed over me. My g

an angry black mark on

r the debrief, a message

uests your prese

This was it. The f

lled corridor, each step echoing

r was ajar. I

ous mahogany desk, staring out

h unspoken words. The

ong moment, waiting.

his finger on the desk

voice steady, "you

did you do this? How could you? D

The answers wouldn't change anyth

hollow. "I just wanted

prise in his eyes. "Leaving? Your cont

y," I said, my gaze unwavering. "My law

, efficiently. While

cleared. My belongings s

asked, a hint of something re

verything I care

Alissa. You can't just walk aw

You're acting like a child. Is this about money? Because

money. Money he' d stole

ured into this company. The sacrifices I

ng my success. "You're good, Alissa, but let's be honest,

at my self-worth, making

trying to

n." My voice was a whisper, bu

ut don't come crying to me when y

end of our conversation.