Page 130 of It Starts With A No

Clary nodded.

Seth handed the memory card over to Andrea. “You can give it to Detective Murphy. We’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

“He’s going to be grumpy. We hate it when witnesses have to rest instead of giving statements.” Andrea jumped to her feet and gave Clary a pat on the head. “But you are my precious boss, so I’ll take one for the team. Are you staying here tonight?”

“Yes,” Seth answered before Clary could.

“All my things are back at the mansion.”

Andrea waved it off. “Don’t worry. Your very capable assistant is here. I’ve already packed you a bag.”

Clary laughed. “What about you? Are you going to stay at the mansion on your own?”

“She’s been staying with you?” Seth asked.

“A lot has happened in twenty-four hours.” Andrea waved a disapproving finger in front of Seth. “Which is why you should never go to bed angry.” She shrugged. “That’s what I hear people say, anyway. And yes, I’m going back to the mansion. I don’t see a problem. How many other people will come looking for the recordings?”

Clary pursed her lips. “Most of the boys’ club were caught on tape.”

“Oh.”

“Wait.” Clary snapped her fingers. “I’m sure the hotel still has the room Mr. E got for me.”

Andrea threw her arms around Clary. “You really are the best boss ever.” She straightened. “See you later, boss.” She shot Seth a glare. “Don’t upset my boss again.”

Oliver got up and went to the door with Andrea. “I’ll go get Clary’s bag.”

Clary sighed as the door closed after Andrea and Oliver. “What a night.”

“I think you made a great hiring decision.”

“Of course I did. God arranged for everything.”

Taking her hand, Seth brushed his thumb across her knuckles. “I’m sorry, Clary. If I hadn’t overreacted, if I had opened my mouth and asked you to stay, then—”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because I wanted it to be your choice.” Seth gave her hand a squeeze. “Oliver told me about your ex. He didn’t say much, but I swear I didn’t keep quiet because I’d already gotten the money from Edward Eolenfeld.”

Clary bit down on her lower lip. “I didn’t tell Oliver exactly why you came to me, but I think he suspects it’s something to do with the Eolenfelds. I gave him an are-you-crazy look and I think he bought it.”

Seth’s lips curled. “I know we still have a lot more to talk about, but I want you to know that I’m sorry. I won’t make you choose again.”

“There’s something I haven’t told you. I’m grateful to Mr. E, and I have a lot of wonderful memories with him, Mrs. E, and Grandma Moretti.”

“I understand.”

“It isn’t just that.” She licked her lips. “Like I said before: I wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Mr. and Mrs. E.”

Seth’s brows drew together.

“My parents had trouble conceiving. When Mrs. E found out, she offered to pay for my parents’ IVF. She paid for eight rounds of IVF before my parents got me.”

His eyes widened.

“My parents would never have been able to afford that. They had the best doctor. Mr. and Mrs. E made sure my parents’ working hours were flexible. They even let Uncle David ferry my parents to and from appointments.”

“I didn’t know that.”

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