Page 89 of Hate Notes

“Just Ember,” Orion said, eyes shifting back to me. In that moment, I felt like the only woman in the world. I felt like theluckiestwoman in the world.

43

EMBER

For once, the Foster Real Estate office buzzed with genuine excitement instead of nervous energy. People gathered in small groups, discussing the events at the Metropolitan with animation I'd never seen before.

"Did you see Cole's face?" Julian asked for probably the tenth time that morning. "I swear he turned at least three different shades of purple."

"I'm more impressed by what Ember pulled off," Monica said, perching on the edge of my desk. "God, I wish I'd recorded the whole thing."

"I did," Roman said, not looking up from his computer. When we all stared at him, he shrugged. "What? I record all important business meetings."

"Sure you do," Julian smirked. "Nothing to do with knowing this was going to be epic?"

I smiled, letting their banter wash over me as I sorted through the mountain of work ahead. Transforming the factorieswouldn't be easy, but for the first time, I felt like I had a real team behind me.

A shadow fell across my desk. I looked up to find Moira standing there, her expression unreadable.

"Walk with me," she said.

My stomach clenched, but I followed her to the break room. To my surprise, she headed straight for the coffee maker.

"The thing about change," she said as she poured two cups, "is that it's terrifying until it happens. Then you wonder why you were so scared in the first place." She handed me one of the cups. "You've changed this place, Ember. And I don't just mean the company's direction."

I took a sip to hide my shock. Was Moira actually being nice to me?

"Thank you?" I managed.

"Don't get used to it," she said, but there was a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "Now, about the community board. I have some thoughts..."

The factory'smain floor buzzed with activity as construction crews worked on carefully modernizing the space. Orion stood beside me, frowning at the blueprints while I tried not to smile at how adorably serious he looked.

"The museum section needs to be larger," he said.

"I thought profit was your main concern," I teased.

"It was. But look at this." He pulled out his phone, showing me an old photograph Davenport had shared. It showed workers gathered outside the factory, families having a picnic on the lawn. "These people built their lives here. Their stories deserve more than a footnote."

My heart did that funny flip it always did when he showed this softer side. "Who are you and what have you done with Orion Foster?"

"Very funny." But he smiled as he tucked the photo away. "Maybe I'm learning there's more to legacy than just numbers."

"From you? That's practically a love poem."

He caught my hand, thumb brushing over my knuckles. "Don't get used to it. I have a reputation to maintain."

"Oh really?" I gestured to where Julian was giving a tour to community board members, making them laugh with his enthusiasm. "Because from where I'm standing, your reputation is already shot. People actually smile in this building now. Some even laugh."

"A tragedy," he agreed solemnly. "Clearly your influence has ruined everything."

"Clearly." I started to lean in for a kiss, but the sound of approaching footsteps made us jump apart.

"Mr. Foster?" Daniel appeared, looking apologetic. "The historical society is here for their meeting."

"Thank you, Daniel." Orion straightened his tie, CEO mask sliding back into place. But I caught his wink as he turned away. "Miss Hartwell, shall we?"

"After you, Mr. Foster."

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