Page 50 of Brutal Heir

I force a smile, trying my best to keep the situation fromunraveling even more.

“I need a ride to my car, Sage,” Elena says quietly.

And I fail. My shoulders droop as I shift my weight uncomfortably, looking from her to Addler then back.

“I…” From everything I’ve heard, Addler’s a nice guy…though he was a bit of jerk when I first met him. Now I’m wondering if everything I’ve heard has been wrong. “Okay, of course.”

She shuts her laptop and shoves it into her backpack. Scooping it up, she keeps her chin held high despite the turmoil she must feel inside. Then she walks past us, out the French doors.

Addler’s just watching her leave. I want to tell him to go after her, to convince her to stay. But it’s not my place to interfere. Ultimately, the reality is that it’s his decision to make.

Ezequiel takes a deep breath, as if he doesn’t know what to do. Then he nods, indicating for me to follow Elena. Well, it’s not as if I’d let her take off on her own.

With a heavy heart, I follow her out, ready to provide whatever support she needs.

I follow Elena as she strides past the beautiful pool without a glance. Her pace is quick and purposeful, her backpack bouncing against her back with every step. It’s clear that she’s not happy with how things have turned out.

I catch up and fall into step beside her. We walk for a few moments, the only sound the soft click of our shoes on the pavement.

Finally, I can’t help but ask, “You okay?”

She glances at me, her expression guarded. “I’m fine,” she says, her tone clipped.

I nod, not wanting to push her. We continue walking, the silence stretching between us.

Chapter 28

Ezequiel

“I know, girl.” Bill’s voice comes through. “I talked to Addler on Friday when you ran late. He told me y’all were getting together.”

“You did?” Elena seems surprised.

“I told him we were running behind because of all the changes happening when I was running around with Isabella.” That’s rotten luck that she’s had such a hard time. “He agreed you were the best one to help get the coding straightened out so we could close the books right.”

“Really…” Ah hell, her eyes are practically shooting sparks at him.

“Yup, we had a good long talk. I told him about the expense report running behind. And how you’d gotten after me about the receipts and getting it submitted on time.”

She clears her throat, “I—”

“So, you don’t have to worry. I’ve got everything scanned in. And most of it is logged into the report. I just didn’t get to finish, with having to run home.”

All the color leaves her face. Tension ratchets up in the room. I’m starting to feel like Addler’s fucked.

“You told him this?” she asks, like she’s going to blow a gasket.

I look back at Addler, and he’s got a poker face in place.I wish you the best, brother. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.

“Yes. I told him I’ll be in early tomorrow so I can finish the report and submit it before the bigwigs come in from Houston.”

“I see.”

That’s the same as saying everything’s “fine.” He’s fucked.

“Then we’ll get him switched over to the big office. I’ll move in next door to you to make things easier on us. He belongs over there anyway, now that he’s the owner.”

“Okay. I’ll see you then,” she says, much too quietly. She jams her thumb on the screen then hands Sage her phone. “I need a ride to my car, Sage.”

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