Page 29 of Filthy Rich Bosses

Morgan's lips curl into a sneer. "Fine. I'm going. But this isn't over, Cole. You'll regret this."

As she storms out, slamming the door behind her, I sink into my chair. The silence feels almost deafening after her outburst. I rub my temples, wondering how the hell I ever thought getting involved with Morgan was a good idea.

And why, despite everything, does a small part of me still feel guilty?

Chapter 13

Grayson

The drone of financial projections fades into the background as my phone vibrates against my thigh. I discreetly slide it out, expecting another tedious email. Instead, I see Tessa's name, and my heart skips a beat.

I tap the screen, and suddenly, there he is: Zeus, his tail wagging furiously, chasing after a bright yellow tennis ball. His tongue lolls out, and I can almost hear his happy panting.

"Mr. Harrington?" Johnson's voice cuts through my reverie. "Your thoughts on the Q3 forecast?"

I clear my throat, pocketing my phone. "It looks solid. Let's revisit the marketing budget, though. I think we can push for more aggressive growth."

As the meeting drones on, my mind keeps drifting back to Zeus. To Sarah. To Tessa. The joy of seeing him so happy mingles with a deep, aching sadness. I miss her so much.

Three years. It’s been three years without the light of my life.

Three years since I watched her fade away, her laughter and warmth slipping through my fingers like sand. I still rememberthe last time she smiled at me, the way she squeezed my hand even though it took all her strength. That fragile moment when I promised her I’d be okay, even though I knew it was a lie.

I close my eyes against the memories, but they come anyway—unbidden and relentless. The hospital rooms that smelled of antiseptic, the endless beeping of machines that marked the countdown to the inevitable. The way her once-vibrant eyes dimmed with every passing day, and all I could do was sit there, helpless, while cancer stole her away bit by bit.

I threw myself into work after she was gone, drowning in deadlines and deals because it was easier than facing an empty house, easier than confronting the silence that used to be filled with her voice. I stopped coming home early, stopped letting myself think about a future that didn’t have her in it. What was the point? The work never stopped, and neither did the pain, but at least one of those things I could control.

But some days, it still catches up to me. Like now.

Finally, the meeting wraps up. I practically bolt for my office, shutting the door behind me. I pull out my phone again, rewatching the video. Zeus looks healthy again, his coat shiny and his eyes bright. Tessa's been good for him.

Tessa. The thought of her brings a confused jumble of emotions along with it. Gratitude, certainly. But also...something else. Something I'm not quite ready to name.

I lean back in my chair, staring out the window at the Chicago skyline. "What can I do for her?" I mutter to myself. "She's given me this gift, reconnecting me with Zeus. With Sarah's memory."

My fingers drum on the armrest as I contemplate. A donation to her shelter? No, too impersonal. I want it to mean something. To show her that I see her, not just her work.

I remember how her eyes lit up when she talked about rescuing animals. The passion in her voice. Maybe...maybe I could volunteer? The thought of mucking out kennels isn'texactly appealing, but the image of Tessa's surprised smile makes it seem worth it.

I buzz Juniper into my office, hoping she might have some ideas. She saunters in, her auburn hair perfectly styled and her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Harrington?" she asks, her voice honey-sweet.

"I need your help with a thank you gift," I say, leaning forward. "For Tessa Morrow."

Juniper's smile falters for a split second before she recovers. "Oh? The dog trainer?" Her tone is light, but there's an edge to it.

"Yes, she’s been doing a wonderful job with Zeus. I want to show my appreciation."

Juniper leans against my desk, her skirt riding up slightly. "Are you sure that's necessary? It's her job, after all."

I frown, feeling a surge of protectiveness toward Tessa. "It's more than that. She's gone above and beyond."

"Well," Juniper says, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, "if you insist. Perhaps a nice bottle of wine? Or some fancy chocolates?"

I shake my head. Those suggestions feel hollow, impersonal. Nothing like Tessa's fierce dedication.

Before I can respond, Cole bursts into the office, his face set in grim lines. "Grayson, we need to talk."

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