Page 51 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"All right, enough is enough," I declare, my voice firm, cutting through the stillness. "We all want Tessa, and it’s time we do something about it before we lose her for good."

Grayson's head snaps up, his eyes finally focusing on us. The intensity in his gaze is almost unnerving. Cole, on the other hand, lets out a dramatic sigh and rolls his eyes.

"The girl’s good for sex and nothing else," he drawls, his tone dripping with disdain.

My blood boils. My fists clench at my sides as a surge of anger rushes through me. I whirl on him, my voice low and dangerous. "Don’t you dare talk about her like that," I growl, the words tasting like acid in my mouth.

Cole just shrugs, completely unfazed. His words cut deeper than they should, because I know he’s using them to deflect. It’s his defense mechanism—push people away before they can hurt him. But that doesn’t make it okay.

I take a steadying breath, trying to calm the storm inside. "Look, I know we’re all scared of getting hurt—”

“Not scared.”

“—But Tessa...she’s different. She’s special. And if we don’t act soon, we might lose our chance with her."

The room falls silent, the weight of the words hanging in the air. I can see the internal struggle in Grayson’s eyes, his usual stoic demeanor slipping just enough to let me see the uncertainty. He’s stuck in the past, not ready to move on just yet. But I can see the way he feels about Tessa—even if he doesn’t want to feel anything for her.

As for Cole, he’s still deflecting, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

I glance at Grayson, watching as his fingers absently toy with his wedding band, twisting it around and around. It’s a habit I’ve seen before, a tell that betrays the depth of his pain.

"Gray," I begin, but he doesn't react. His mind is somewhere far beyond us, lost in memories of a life that no longer exists. It's like he's retreated into himself, leaving just an empty shell in that expensive leather chair.

Cole, however, isn’t done. He leans forward, his voice sharp. "You want to talk about Tessa? Fine. Let’s talk about her," he says, his eyes narrowing. "She’s worked her ass off to get where she is. Started from nothing and clawed her way up. And you think she’s going to settle for someone like you?"

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The punch lands in my gut, and I stagger back a step. "What the hell does that mean?" I bite out, trying to keep my voice even.

"It means," Cole continues, his lip curling into a sneer, "that you’ve never had to struggle for anything. Not a job, not a relationship, nothing. When’s the last time you actuallyworkedfor something, Chase? Really worked?"

I open my mouth to argue, but the words die in my throat. Because as much as I hate to admit it, there's a kernel of truth in what he's saying. I've never had to struggle the way Tessa has. The way Cole has.

"You don't know what you're talking about," I manage finally, but it sounds weak even to my own ears.

Cole scoffs. "Don't I? Face it, Chase. You're not in her league."

I glance at Grayson, hoping for some support, but he's still lost in his own world, his fingers absentmindedly spinning that damn ring. I feel my frustration flare, but I try to keep it under control.

I run a hand through my hair, trying to gather my thoughts. Cole's words sting, but I know he's just lashing out. He doesn’t want to confront his feelings for Tessa, so he’s deflecting all of it onto me.

"You think I don't know how amazing she is?" I say, my voice low but intense. "How strong and passionate and...incredible? It’s not just the sex—though that is mind-blowing. It’sher."

I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips as I think of Tessa’s fierce determination, the way she lights up when she talks about her animal rescues. But then the smile fades, replaced by the gnawing feeling in my gut.

"There's something holding her back, though," I admit. "Something in her past. I can feel it."

Cole's eyebrows raise slightly, a flicker of interest breaking through his hard exterior.

I continue, "She feels our connection, I know she does. But she's scared. And maybe..." I swallow hard, hating to give voiceto my doubts. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm not enough for her."

The office feels suffocating suddenly. I walk to the window, pressing my forehead against the cool glass. The estate sprawls below, reminding me of how small I feel in this moment.

"I've never had to work for anything," I whisper, more to myself than to Cole or Grayson. "But for her? I'd do anything."

I turn back to face them, my heart pounding with a sudden rush of determination. "Okay, then put me to work," I declare, my voice stronger now. "I have a stake in the company, don't I? Give me a job to do."

Cole scoffs, crossing his arms. "You? Work? That'll be the day."

---