Page 3 of Filthy Rich Bosses

The woman's ice-blue eyes narrow dangerously. I can practically see the storm brewing behind them, and I bracemyself for the inevitable outburst. But I won't back down—not when an animal's health is at stake.

“Are you accusing me of starving my dog? Really? Do I look like someone who would do that?”

I make a note that the dog is underweight and bite my tongue. It’s not my place. It’s not my place.It’s not your freaking place, Tessa.

I take a deep breath as I lead the woman into the exam room. I’m ready to move on to the standard pre-appointment questions, when the woman suddenly grabs her dog. In one swift, rough motion, she hoists the poor creature onto the examination table. A terrified yelp escapes the poor thing, but it quickly flinches and cowers when mommy dearest shoots him a look that could curdle milk.

"There. Can we get on with this?" she snaps, her manicured nails tapping impatiently on the metal surface.

My heart races, adrenaline spiking through my system. The way she manhandled that sweet pup...it's all I can do not to physically put myself between them.

The dog moves toward the edge of the exam table and the woman snatches it by the collar and drags it back, pushing it down onto the metal surface roughly.

"Hey!" I bark, my voice sharper than I intended. "Please be careful with your dog. There's no need to be so rough."

The woman's eyes flash with obvious anger, and I know I've crossed a line. But I can't bring myself to care. All I can think about is protecting the innocent animal.

"Excuse me?" she hisses, leaning in close. Her perfume is cloying, almost suffocating. "Who do you think you are to tell me how to handle my own dog?"

I stand my ground, meeting her gaze. "I'm the vet technician responsible for your pet's wellbeing in this clinic. And right now, I'm concerned about the way you're treating him."

She laughs, a harsh, bitter sound that makes my skin crawl. "Oh, honey. You have no idea who you're dealing with. I could have your job for this."

I swallow hard, knowing she might be right. But the trembling pup on the table steels my resolve. Some things are worth fighting for.

The woman's eyes narrow to slits as she takes a menacing step toward me. My heart pounds, but I refuse to back down. Suddenly, the leash pulls taut as she steps toward me, and time seems to stand still as her dog loses his balance.

"No!" I gasp, lunging forward.

My hands reach out, barely managing to catch the dog before he tumbles to the hard floor. Relief floods through me as I cradle him against my chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I snap at the woman, anger and fear making my voice tremble. "You could have seriously hurt him!"

Her face contorts with rage. "How dare you! This is your fault. If you hadn't distracted me—"

"Myfault?" I interrupt, incredulous. I gently set the dog back on the table, keeping a protective hand on his back. "You're the one who—"

"Listen here, you little—" she snarls, advancing on me with clenched fists.

The exam room door swings open, and Dr. Hartley walks in, his eyes widening as he takes in the scene.

"What's going on here?" he asks, looking between us.

I open my mouth to explain, but the woman beats me to it.

"Finally, someone with actual authority," she sneers. "Your employee here has been completely unprofessional..."

As she launches into her tirade, I can only stand there, my hand still resting on her dog's trembling form, wondering how this situation spiraled so far out of control.

I watch in disbelief as Dr. Hartley's expression morphs from concern to disapproval, his gaze shifting between the irate woman and me. My heart races, and I struggle to find my voice.

"Dr. Hartley, I—" I start, but he cuts me off with a raised hand.

"Tessa, I think it's best if you step out for a moment," he says, his tone clipped.

Reluctantly, I leave the exam room, my legs feeling like lead. The hallway seems to close in around me as I lean against the wall, trying to process what just happened. Minutes tick by, each one feeling like an eternity.

Finally, Dr. Hartley emerges, his face grim. "Tessa, we need to talk."

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