Page 12 of It Starts With A No

Elton didn’t know what was at stake, but he probably wouldn’t approve even if he knew. Elton always had problems with authority. He could never just do what he was told, which was why he’d suffered the most at Holly’s hands. So there was no way he would agree with Seth going to Edward Eolenfeld for a loan.

But he had no choice.

If he had to make a deal with the devil to keep the robotics arm of Movement, he would.

Clary pushed the covers off and got up, stepping barefooted on the hospital floor. She was still in her black business suit, because she’d refused to change into a hospital gown and no one would dare push her to do so.

She pulled her back straight and jutted her chin out. Without her heels, she was nowhere near as tall as the two men.

She didn’t appear to be intimidated by that, though.

“What?” Elton lifted a stubborn chin. “You’re going to tell me how much money you have and how powerful you are, then threaten to get me fired?”

Seth shook his head. His brother was going to get himself fired if he kept up this attitude. He opened his mouth, but Clary spoke before he could.

“I am not Mr. E’s mistress,” she said without any hint of anger.

And that reaction was so surprising that it stopped Seth in his tracks. Even Elton seemed at a loss for words, for about a second.

“Right. You’re not Mr. E’s mistress.” He pretended to gag. “Mr. E. How cute.”

“I’m not trying to be cute,” she continued calmly. “It’s a habit. I’ve always called him that because I’m trying to be discreet.”

Seth frowned. Discreet? Why?

“Everyone wants to be linked to the Eolenfelds.” Elton sneered.

“Because people don’t understand what a curse it can be.” She said it casually, not realizing how much that piqued his curiosity—and probably even Elton’s. “Anyway, I apologize for being sarcastic just now. I’m sure you’re a good doctor and you’re just trying your best—”

“What are you playing at?” Elton snapped. Despite the harsh words, he took a step back.

“No games.” She took a step back as well.

The door to Clary’s room opened, and their attention turned to it.

The hospital director walked in with a big smile on his face and a bag in hand. His grin faltered slightly as he strode in, probably sensing the tension. “Is everything okay? Why are you out of bed? You should be resting.”

Seth held his breath when Clary didn’t immediately reply.

Elton would be devastated if he lost his job. He’d worked so hard to get here. But no amount of hard work would be more important than the Eolenfelds’ money and influence.

“I wanted to walk around for a bit.” She flashed a sweet smile. “And what better time to do that than while the doctor is here? Just in case I passed out again.”

The director looked over at Elton. “You were the doctor fixing her up in the Emergency Room.”

Clary sat on the bed. “He just wanted to make sure I was settled in all right.”

The director gave Elton a pat on the shoulder. “That’s the attitude everyone should have with their patients.”

Seth sighed. Now he owed Clary Fiore for another thing.

Elton opened his mouth, but Seth didn’t think his brother would have anything nice to say.

Draping his arm around Elton’s shoulders, Seth dragged him over to the door. “Stop using Clary as an excuse and get back to work.” He shoved his brother out the door and shot him another shut-up glare.

The director laughed and turned back to Clary. “I’m glad you have friends here. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable that way.”

She nodded.

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