Page 127 of Prickly Romance

“Do you believe that they will uphold their end of the agreement?”

“The money will not be paid out until I see their amendment article. At this point, we have to trust each other.”

She frowns. “What about the reporter? Did you speak to her?”

“The reporter was on medical leave.”

Akira huffs. “Medical leave? I saw the security footage of them leaving the bathroom. There was barely a scratch on her.”

“Are you taking Dejonae’s side, Akira?” My lips arch up.

Akira sputters and gasps from the front seat. “This is not about sides. I simply have no time for those who exaggerate their injuries.”

“An article will be released tomorrow.”

“That reporter has already done so much damage to the foundation with one little caption and a picture. If she decides to go against her chief and writes something damning about us in her article…”

I sink my head back. “We will cross that bridge when we get to it.”

What feels like minutes later, someone shakes my shoulders. I startle awake.

“Ryotaro,” Akira whispers.

“Did I doze off?”

“Almost immediately.” A line creases her forehead. “I’m waking you against my better judgement. You should get more sleep.”

“There is no time. Now that I have sorted things out with the magazine, the foundation has to put out a statement.”

She nods.

I climb out of the car and notice another black SUV drive past. I recognize the model as Nova’s. The engine stalls and then falls quiet. Nova climbs out and approaches us. As usual, she is dressed sharply. Her hair is in braids and her lips are stern.

She gives me her usual, no-nonsense nod. “Sazuki. Akira.”

“Nova. We appreciate your help.”

“Adam said things were desperate.”

I gesture to the elevator. “Let’s discuss in my office.”

When we arrive upstairs, I am stunned to see Dejonae sitting at her desk outside of my office.

Her eyes drift to mine.

She looks sober and withdrawn.

I hold her gaze.

Nova stops short and glances between us.

I clear my throat. “Nova, this is Dejonae Williams.”

“The one at the heart of this whole debacle, right?” Nova arches an eyebrow. “You don’t look like the type to be starting fights in bathroom stalls.”

“I didn’t start it.”

Nova purses her lips.

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