Page 58 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"This is kidnapping, you know," she mutters, but there's less heat in her words now.

"It's not kidnapping if it's for your own good," I quip, trying to lighten the mood. But inside, my heart is racing. What if I've gone too far? What if this pushes her away for good?

As we pull into Grayson's driveway, I take a deep breath. "Tessa, we need to talk about this. All of us. Together."

She doesn't respond, but I can see the wheels turning in her head. I lead her into the house, my hand gently but firmly on her lower back. Once inside, I guide her to the living room and sit her down on the plush sofa.

"You're staying," I say, my voice softer now but no less determined. "And if you try to leave again, I swear I'll restrain you myself."

Tessa's eyes widen at this, a mix of shock and something else—intrigue, maybe?—flashing across her face.

"We're going to talk this out," I continue, "until we come to a solution that makes everyone happy. No more running, Tessa. It's time to face this head-on."

Chapter 25

Cole

The incessant buzzing of my phone grates on my last nerve as I glance at the screen for what feels like the hundredth time today. Morgan's name flashes, her perfectly airbrushed photo smirking up at me. I swipe to decline before the first ring even finishes.

"Give it a rest already," I mutter, tossing the phone onto my desk with a clatter.

I turn to stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, the New York skyline sprawling before me. The sun glints off glass and steel, a dizzying twenty-two stories below. For a moment, I consider the satisfaction of watching my phone plummet to the sidewalk, imagining Morgan's shrill voice silenced once and for all.

I shake my head, chuckling darkly at the thought. "Get it together, Cole. She's not worth the property damage."

Still, my finger hovers over the power button. One press and I could have peace, at least for a while. But the responsible partof my brain reminds me that I'm waiting on an important client call.

"Damn it," I sigh, my jaw clenched. "Why can’t she take no for an answer?"

The phone buzzes again, and I swear I can hear Morgan's voice in my head: "Coooole, why are you ignoring me? Don't you know how much I neeeed you?"

I grimace, remembering all too well how she'd use that sugary-sweet tone right before twisting the knife. No, today I won't fall for it. Today, I'm staying strong.

"Not this time, Morgan," I say to the empty office, my voice firm. "Find someone else to manipulate."

Just as I set the phone down, it starts ringing again. I groan, ready to hit decline, but then I see Chase's name on the screen. Unusual. I answer, my brow furrowed.

"Chase, man, it's not a great time—"

"I don't care," he cuts me off, his voice tight and clipped. Gone is the usual laid-back drawl. "You and Grayson need to get back here. Now."

I lean back in my chair, tension coiling in my gut. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"No, it's not fucking okay," Chase snaps. "It's Tessa."

My heart rate kicks up a notch. Of course it's about Tessa. It's the only thing that ever gets under Chase's skin like this.

"Chase, slow down," I say, trying to keep my voice calm. "Whatever it is, I'm sure we can—"

"She moved out, Cole." His words hit me like a punch to the solar plexus. "Or she tried to. I woke up and Tessa was gone."

The skyline blurs before my eyes as my mind races, trying to process what I've just heard.

My body moves on autopilot as I bolt from my chair, nearly knocking it over in my haste. The sleek office fades into a blur of chrome and glass as I stride toward the door.

"I'm on my way to Grayson's office," I tell Chase, my voice tight with urgency. "We'll figure this out."

I end the call and shove my phone into my pocket, not waiting for a response. I head down the hallway, quickening my pace, my polished shoes clicking against the marble floor.

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