Page 94 of Cold Carnage

Gideon’s gaze softened just a fraction as he processed my words. The corners of his mouth twitched as if he might respond, but I didn't wait for it.

With one last look at him, I turned and walked out of the office. The weight on my shoulders lightened ever so slightly with each step forward.

But deep down, I knew this was just the beginning of something far more significant—both for me and for the Serpents.

The silence of my office felt heavier than usual. As I began to pack my things, I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment. Not sadness—just a hollow sense of missed opportunity. I had come here with the hope of making a difference, of helping the Serpents rise above their reputation. Now, I wouldn’t get that chance.

I set up a forwarding email, mechanically typing in the generic Serpents contact email until they replaced me. The inbox, once a source of stress and excitement, now felt like a graveyard of unfulfilled potential. I began to sift through the emails, deleting irrelevant ones and saving anything remotely important.

One caught my eye; apparently, after the back to school event yesterday, Richard was reconsidering suing the Serpents, so that was something.

Probably didn’t want to look like an asshole.

I forwarded that email to Gideon, in case he wanted to handle that himself.

An email from Julian Burrows caught my eye. Jared Crowder’s agent. My heart skipped a beat as I clicked on it.

Ms. Adams,

I hope this message finds you well. Mr. Crowder has seen the recent photos and would like to arrange a meeting to discuss some matters personally. He has requested that this meeting be with you specifically.

Please let us know your availability at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

Julian Burrows

Agent for Jared Crowder

I read it once, then again, and a third time for good measure. What could Jared Crowder possibly want to discuss with me? And why me specifically?

The questions swirled in my mind as I sat back in my chair, staring at the screen.

I stared at the email for a moment longer, then picked up the phone and dialed Gideon's desk number. Each ring felt like an eternity until he finally answered.

"Paige?" he said, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and annoyance. "I thought?—"

"I was cleaning out my office," I interrupted. "I'm forwarding you an email. I'd like to know your thoughts."

Silence hung between us as I clicked the forward button and sent the email to his inbox.

"Did you receive it?" I asked after a few tense seconds.

"Yes," he replied, but offered nothing more.

I wished he would say something, anything. The silence felt suffocating.

"Well?" I pressed. "Do you want me to?—"

"Are you blackmailing me?" His tone was sharp, accusatory.

"What? No?—"

"Then what is this?" he demanded.

"Would you like me to meet with him?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "On behalf of the Serpents? You can still fire me, but I know you've been considering signing him, and?—"

"I need a moment." Before I could respond, he hung up on me.

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