Page 121 of Broken Deal

Nico interrupts without looking up, grabbing somepaperwork from the table instead. “I assure you we have enough evidence.” He looks up, tilting his head. “Did you think deleting all the emails from your employee’s laptop was going to be enough? We have everything and more. So I suggest you leave, because I have very little patience for people who dare to question me.”

Max is at a loss for words, the vein in his forehead so pronounced it gives me a sense of satisfaction like no other. The taste of victory is sweet, and knowing justice has been served has a sense of relief rushing through me. Without a word, Max walks out of the conference room with his head down, fume practically coming out of his ears.

“Good riddance,” Nico mutters. “Honestly, he was probably going to get fired anyway. His qualifications are practically nonexistent. The only reason he got that position is because he’s the nephew of the former owner.” He shakes his head. “Fucking nepotism, man.”

“Tell me about it.” I laugh, scrubbing my face. “Thank you for this, man.”

“No need to thank me. Taking over this company has been something my father always wanted, and the fact I got to secure this, well… I should be the one thanking you.”

I salute. “Glad to be of service.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Listen, if your girl ever wants to come back and work here, we need an editor in chief. The position is hers if she wants it.”

“I can tell her, but she’s stubborn, I doubt she’ll take the handout.”

Nico gives me a confused look. “This is not a handout, trust me. I’ve been reading and researching the work Max passed as his. She’s really talented, we need people like her here.”

Pride fills my chest as I hear those words.

Now that everything’s finally falling in line, there’s only one thing left to do.

“Mom, that box is heavy. Let me do it,” I say, grabbing the box labeledPOTS AND PANSfrom her hands.

She scrunches her nose. “I think I liked it better when you were in Chicago.”

I gasp dramatically. “I’m offended!”

Mom pulls me into a side-hug, laughing. “I’m lying. It’s nice having you here.”

I shake my head, feigning a pout as I carry the box out to the moving truck. It’s been a little over two months since I came back home. I managed to land a waitressing job downtown about a month in. The hours are tough, but the tips make it worth it. It’s not a forever thing—just temporary—but it’s given me the chance to move us out of this house faster than I expected.

In between the chaos of packing and working, Mom and I have had some real conversations, the kind we didn’t get to have when I was always busy in Chicago and always worrying about her. It feels good, like we’re making up for lost time. While working atVogue Elitewasn’t the bestexperience, it helped me discover I actually enjoy the editing and proofing side of journalism. So once we’re all settled in the new place, I’m going to start looking for a new job. There are a lot of remote opportunities, but even if a good one requires moving, Mom’s on board with relocating. There’s nothing for us here except bitter memories of my father, and now that we’re moving out, that’s all they will remain as—memories.

I’ve thought about going back to Chicago someday, but the idea of being in the same city as Lorenzo is still too painful. I don’t hold a grudge for how he reacted when everything went down. I’ve come to understand Lorenzo has always been private for a reason, and when things got tough, his instinct was to assume the worst. That’s all he’s ever known. But the memories...they’re still too fresh. Too raw for me to go back to the city.

I’d be lying if I said I don’t think of him, because I do. Every day. And even though it’s been so long since I last saw him, the feelings haven’t faded. I’m still deeply, madly in love with Lorenzo. There’s no denying I miss him—terribly.

But it doesn’t change anything. We were doomed from the start. We were always going to end in heartbreak, because that’s allI’veever known.

“Where do you want these boxes?” Matteo’s voice calls out.

Somehow, the girls convinced the guys to help me move. Damian offered to pay for a moving company, but Aria and Isabella wanted to spend time with me, so they dragged the guys along. I’m still not sure how they managed it. I guess love really conquers all.

“Those are donations. Just put them in my car,” I shout back.

Damian walks out with a couple of boxes, setting them down with a grunt. “I think that’s the last of it.”

“Thanks, guys. Dinner’s on me tonight,” I offer.

He shrugs casually. “No need. You know we’d do anything for you, right?” His pointed look throws me off guard.

I cross my arms, raising a brow. “And here I thought you hated me.”

“He doesn’t hate anyone,” Matteo cuts in with a smirk. “He just looks like he’s got a pole stuck up his ass.”

Damian smacks Matteo on the back of the head. “Shut up.”

Matteo rubs his head, wincing. “Hate it when you do that.”

---