dings, into her mentor, Mr. Harrison. She had been his shadow, his protégée, his most dedicated architect. Everyone in the company, everyone in their social ci

eeting, and a nervous excitement had buzzed in Chloe' s chest all morning.

e-eyed intern clinging to his arm. "I have a wonderful announcement," he said, his vo

, the colors of the room seeming to fade to gray. Bethany, the new intern, held up her hand, a massive d

alm settled over her. She stood up, her movements gracefu

gh the chatter, dra

r. She stopped beside the happy couple, a serene smile on her own face. "Since we'r

red booklet. She opened it for all to see. It was

" she announced, her smile never wavering.

e vanished, replaced by a mask of disbelief and fury. "Chl

ring a simple, expensive-looking robe as if he' d just rolled out of bed. He wrapped a protective arm around Chloe

face contorting with a possessive ra

her heartbreak. "I've already found the partner I'll cherish for a lifeti

ss. "Here is my resignation," she said, placing a folded letter

yes darkened. "I

s rose. "You don

and began systematically sabotaging her projects, reassigning her team and withholding crucial data, trying to force her to st

nation letter in her hand. "Sign it," she dem

at behind his massive desk, his face a thunderous mask. His assistant, Liam,

e letter from her hand and a pen from his desk. With a furious, jerky motion, he

buckled her knees. She turned without another word and fled his office

vator when a sweet voice

ent ring. But it wasn't the ring that made Chloe' s blood run cold. It was what Bethany

ny said, her voice dripping with fake concern. "He tho

by the unfamiliar hands, burst free. The small blue parro

threw herself backward, tumbling dramatically down the shor

is face a mask of rage and concern for Bethany. He didn't even

fury, he charged forward

g down the stairs, a flurry of b

ushed down the stairs, ignoring the pain in her ow

ng with a hatred she didn't know she was capa

th a cold, terrifying disdain. "Don't you dare slan

tear-filled eyes. "Harrison, don't argue with her. It's my fault. I shouldn't

e like tiny daggers, condemning Chloe for her supposed jealousy, for her cruelty. Overwh