Page 39 of American Beauty

Gabby’s expression softens for just a moment before the steel returns. “That doesn’t change the fact that you violated company policy, and now we’re dealing with the fallout.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “I’m so sorry.”

Gabby exhales a long breath, folding her hands on the desk. “I have no choice. Your employment with Soul Sync is terminated, effective immediately.”

The words hit like a physical blow, knocking the air from my lungs.

“What?” My voice comes out small, shaky, like I can’t quite believe what I’m hearing.

Gabby’s expression softens, but her tone remains firm. “I’m sorry, but there’s no way around this.”

Another shock. Another piece of my life slipping through my fingers. The walls close in, and my chest tightens with panic. My job—over. Alex—gone. Everything I built, everything I thought I could count on, crumbling in front of me.

“There has to be another way. Reprimand me, Gabby, but please don’t fire me.”

“There’s no coming back from this.” Gabby shakes her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Security will escort you out now.”

Security. Like I’m a criminal. The ultimate humiliation.

I nod even though I’m falling apart right here in this chair. “My things?”

“We’ll box them up and send them to you.”

I blink, my vision blurring. Just like that. Over six years with this company and I’m walking out of here with nothing. Not even my dignity.

The walk back to my office feels like a walk of shame. Security follows close behind, their presence a reminder that this is real—I’m being escorted out of the building like I’m a danger.

I grab my purse from my desk, my fingers trembling as I clutch it to my chest.

This isn’t happening. It can’t be happening.

But it is.

Stepping into the hallway, I catch sight of Violet emerging from her office. Her gaze finds me and flicks to the two security guards trailing at my heels. Her eyes widen, confusion flashing across her face. “Magnolia? What’s going on?”

I shake my head. “Not now.” My voice barely holds together. “We’ll talk later.”

Her brows knit, panic flickering in her eyes. “Later? No, we’ll talk now. Why are they?—”

They’re watching. All of them. And they know Violet and I are best friends. If they suspect she was aware of my relationship with a client and didn’t report it, she could be next.

“Please,” I say, cutting her off. “Just go back to work.”

Violet’s mouth opens, but no words come out. She looks at me like she’s searching for some explanation that will make this make sense. But there isn’t one. Not one I can give her, not here.

Movement in my peripheral vision catches my attention—coworkers gathering to see what’s happening, their curious stares slicing through me like a thousand tiny cuts. I can hear the whispers already. They don’t even try to hide them.

She’s being escorted out.

Wonder what she did.

Didn’t see that coming.

She’s always been Gabby’s pet.

Shame burns through me, hotter than the grief that’s been eating me alive. I lift my chin, refusing to let them see me break. Not here. Not now.

But inside, I’m crumbling. My entire life—my job, my relationship, my future—has fallen apart in a few days, and the one person I want to turn to isn’t an option anymore.

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