Page 6 of The Rancher's Wedding Betrayal
"I had some time to spare while waiting for you to arrive," Hunter drawled. "And fortunately enough, my assistant—I'm sure you remember Tony?"
Eve could feel herself paling. Did this mean—
"Levi happened to owe Tony a favor, and so he was more than willing to talk."
Was this going to be the past all over again?
Hunter reached for a folder on his desk, flipping it open with deliberate slowness. “Interesting situation at Thompson & Burke. Corporate espionage. Client list theft. Senior executives implicated.”
Was he going to accuse her without even asking—
“You discovered it, didn’t you? Found evidence that your superiors were selling client data to competitors.” His eyes never left her face. “And when confronted, they made you the scapegoat.”
She stared at him, stunned into silence.
“Lucky for them, you're also the type to refuse to say anything to defend yourself.” It wasn’t a question. “You walked away rather than fight...just like when you left after I accused you about the accident.”
H-How did he—
How long had he—
"I can see all the questions you have in your eyes, Evelline. Soask."
Eve shook her head without knowing why.
"Damn you."
The words were uttered in quiet rage, and yet...it didn't scare her at all. It only made her want to cry, and she didn't know why either.
"When you left eight years ago," Hunter snarled, "I assumed you stayed silent out of guilt."
"Who says you were wrong—"
"Don't."
Eve didn't even realize she was being flippant out of habit until Hunter snapped.
"Why the hell are you so damn proud?" Hunter grated out.
Eve’s nails dug into her palms. “Not everyone feels the need to explain themselves to the world—"
"So you'll just let everyone hang you dry? For what?"
"I just don't want to—"
"You don't even have a reason, do you?" Hunter bit out. "All you have is your damn pride."
The word landed like a slap, and it was getting harder and harder not to cry.
“Pride is what cost you your job. Your apartment. Even your fucking car."
Each word was another nail in the coffin of her dignity. Eve’s eyes burned, but she’d rather die than let him see her cry.
"So tell me, Eve. Is it worth it? Losing every fucking thing—"
"No, it's not."
Eve hated the way her voice cracked in the end. But even so, she didn't regret speaking up. Didn't regret finally owing up to past mistakes...because it was the right thing to do, and she was tired, sodamntired of doing things wrong.
