Flawless Prize

But because I’m a glutton for punishment, I find myself lingering. Taking extra care to make sure I have everything. And of course, constantly glancing up at Caleb’s door, hoping he’ll emerge.

My gut clenches at that thought.

I don’t want to, shouldn’t, can’t confront him now. I know it’ll be torture. And yet, all I want is to see his face again. For him to know I’m fine—and that he doesn’t need to keep pushing me away.

Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment. After all, how many ways can the man say ‘it’s over’ before I get the message?

But my heart is telling me that our story isn’t over yet. And I believe it, more than I believe in anything.

I finish packing up the last of my items before I realize David’s right. It is going to be hard to get this all the way back to my apartment.

As if reading my mind, Victoria looks up from her spreadsheets and says, “You can leave it there once you’re done. I’ll have a service deliver it to your place.”

She might be a bit of a witch who hates me, but she is an efficient executive assistant.

“Oh. Thanks.” I look at the exit. “Do you need anything before I—”

“No.”

Okay. Now there really is no reason to stay. I shrug. “I guess I’ll just be—”

At that moment, Caleb’s door opens. I hold my breath in anticipation.

But it’s Olivia.

She gives me a fake look of concern as she flounces out. “Juliet. I heard you had a little accident. I hope you’re okay.”

I decide to ignore her. I look away.

Unfazed, she says, “That’s a shame.”

I have to control my anger. After what she did to Caleb… What she did to me, making me into her little tattletale so I could bring him down…

My face heats with the rage I’m feeling inside.

“Anyway, I’m glad you’re here,” Olivia continues. “I wanted to tell you. I’m still assembling my team for the hostile takeover, and I could use a smart girl like you on my side. Interested in joining me and Sebastian Wolfe?”

My jaw drops. She really thinks I’m that much of a flake, I’d just follow her anywhere? Even if Caleb’s ship was sinking, I’d sooner sink with it than join the rats.

But the company won’t sink, not with Caleb at the helm. I have faith in him. He’s going to show her and the entire board, once and for all, who belongs at the top of Sterling Cross.

She’s still staring at me, expectant. Does she really think I’m considering it? “No thanks,” I bite out.

She shrugs. “Okay. You change your mind, you know where to find me.”

She turns to leave, and I dig my fingernails into my palm. As I do, Caleb’s door opens again, and he sticks his head out.

He barely glances at me. His expression is unaffected. His eyes go to Olivia. “Twelve o’clock on the third. The entire board will meet and vote on the issue.”

“On my calendar!” She wiggles her fingers at him and struts for the exit. “See you then, Caleb, dear!”

She’s so fake. How did I ever buy that act? As I watch her leave, I wonder what Caleb will say to me when we’re finally alone.

But he slams the door shut before she can even step out of sight.

The resulting pain in my heart almost brings me to my knees.

I gather whatever’s left of my shredded dignity, wave goodbye to Victoria, and head out.