Page 60 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"Grayson," she purrs, her eyes twinkling behind her thick-rimmed glasses. I tense at the informality. I need to have a serious talk with her soon. "I've been wanting to discuss something with you."

I hastily shove my ring into my desk drawer, my heart racing. "Juniper, I—"

My phone buzzes loudly, Chase's name flashing on the screen. I ignore it, focusing on Juniper's freckled face.

"What did you want to—"

The door bursts open, this time revealing a disheveled Cole. His usually perfectly styled hair is a mess, and his eyes are full of concern.

"Grayson," he says, "Tessa moved out."

My stomach drops. "What?"

Juniper's smirk vanishes, replaced by a look of concern that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

"We need to go," Cole insists, grabbing my arm. "Now."

“You can’t just leave!” Juniper’s voice is too high pitched to be human. “He has appointments. All day. Grays—Mr. Harrington, I’m sure Tessa can wait.”

“Clear my schedule, Juniper. Reschedule whatever you need to.”

“Grayson!”

But I don’t stop. I let Cole drag me out of my office and toward the elevator. My chest feels tight. She left. She left me.

The drive home is a blur of worried speculation and unanswered calls to Tessa. When we finally pull up to the house, my heart nearly stops.

Tessa's car is in the driveway, packed to the brim with boxes and bags—everything she brought with her when she moved in. Chase is pacing in the front foyer.

"What the hell happened?" I demand as we rush inside.

The living room is a battlefield of emotions. And there, in the center of it all, is Tessa. Her greenish-blue eyes are blazing, her jaw set in a hard line. She's perched on the edge of the couch, every muscle in her body tense, like a cornered animal ready to strike.

Chase stops his frantic pacing as we enter, relief washing over his face. "Thank God you're here," he says, his voice strained. "She won't listen to reason."

Before I can respond, Douglas appears in the doorway. He clears his throat, one eyebrow raised in that uniquely British way of his.

"Might I inquire if anyone requires anything?" he asks, his tone dry as the Sahara. "Refreshments? Appetizers? Perhaps some restraints?"

I can't help but snort at his gallows humor, even as my heart races. Trust Douglas to find levity in a crisis.

Tessa, however, doesn't seem amused. Her eyes narrow dangerously. "This isn't a joke, Douglas," she snaps.

"Of course not, Miss Tessa," Douglas replies, unruffled. "I'll have the house staff bring your belongings back inside straightaway."

"That won't be necessary," Tessa says, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. She stands, her petite frame radiating defiance. "I'm leaving. For good this time."

My chest tightens at her words. I want to rush to her, to beg her to stay, but I'm rooted to the spot. How did we get here? What changed in the few hours since I last saw her?

Chase's head snaps up, his usually carefree expression replaced by panic. "Like hell it's not necessary," he growls, his voice rough with emotion. "You're not going anywhere, Kitten."

I look at Douglas who seems just as confused as I am. I need to be alone with Tessa, Cole and Chase to discuss this. “Douglas, you and the staff can have the rest of the day off. I’ll see you all in the morning.”

Douglas gives a curt nod and leaves to alert the staff to the change in their schedule.

Tessa's gaze locks with mine, a silent plea in her eyes. She's looking at me like I'm her lifeline, like I'm the one who's going to step in and back her up. Suddenly, all eyes are on me. I can feel Chase and Cole's stares burning into me, their expectations palpable in the tense air.

But I'm at a loss. My mind races, trying to piece together what's happening. The weight of their gazes is suffocating, and I struggle to find words. "I...what's going on?" I finally manage, my voice sounding foreign to my own ears.

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