Page 119 of Exodus

“Well, I love you. And if this is what you feel you need to do, and where you need to be, then do it. I’m behind you, and I’ll be here. Just try to get some sleep.”

“I will. I Love you.”

“Love you.”

Making my way up to the bedroom, I feel the weight of the day take its toll. For years I’ve imagined this day, seeing Tobias again and finally being able to unleash some of my anger while gaining the upper hand. But it never works out like I imagine it would. And with him, it never will. But Christy is right. If I ever had a chance of making it with anyone, it was Collin. And despite my emotions winning and the realizations I’ve been faced with, remorse wins as I pull my engagement ring out of my purse, slip it on my finger, and cry myself to sleep.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Ryan sips his coffee and eyes me over his laptop. “He’s going to blow a gasket when he sees this. Daily morning meetings? Moving headquarters temporarily to Triple Falls, and, are you serious?” He points to the list of conditions I handed him.

“Yep.”

“You sure he’ll go for this?”

“Yep.” And he will because he thinks he’ll win. Tobias is overconfident when it comes to me, always has been. Despite the kick to the chest yesterday, I’m determined to keep it business.

Ryan types a mile a minute as I kick back with my coffee, a smirk on my lips.

“You’re determined to piss this guy off.”

“Like I said, he owes me—either way, we’re selling. Go ahead and entertain another bid. Make sure he catches wind of it.”

“Aside from you, what’s this guy’s interest in the company?”

“It’s personal.”

“You’re infuriating.”

“That’s exactly what I’m hoping for.”

“Shooting it off now.” He sits back and eyes me. “What exactly are you hoping to gain here?”

“Perspective.”

“And you need it. Why?”

I glance down at the ring on my finger. “Because I need to atone for what I’ve done.”

“How so?”

“People got hurt because of us. People are still getting hurt.”

“This is about a breakup?”

“Not exactly.”

“For fuck’s sake.” He slams his computer shut and shoves it into his satchel before standing.

“Ryan, I’m sorry, but I can’t—”

He snatches his jacket and pulls it on. “I’m going for a walk.”

“Ryan—”

I move to go after him when my phone buzzes in my pocket, a local area code, and a number I don’t recognize.

“Cecelia Horner.”

---