Page 93 of Come Apart
Chapter Sixteen
Ryan is sitting in my chair, his feet on my desk. He's wearing a smug grin.
I motion for him to move but he stays put.
Just what I fucking need.
"I have work to do," I say.
His smug grin spreads to his ears. "Mrs. Pike's husband rejected your offer."
"Then we'll see her husband in court."
"You know as well as I do that she won't get full custody in court. Revise the offer and beg his lawyer to see you again."
My fingers curl into fists. "I appreciate your help during my absence, but I can manage my own clients."
He sighs. That you're-such-an-idiot sigh.
I unclench my fists. "I'd be happy to dissolve the firm. You can manage your clients and I'll manage mine."
Ryan's eyes narrow. His brow furrows. "It's my firm. You're not taking it away from me."
There's a tiny hint of something in his eyes. A weakness.
This isn't about the firm. It's about Alyssa.
"You can keep the name. I only want my clients."
He slides his feet off the desk. "No."
I take a step towards the desk. "I understand you'd rather not work with me after what happened with Alyssa."
"This isn't personal. It's a business decision."
Sure it is.
I take a deep breath.
"I'm serious about Alyssa. I'd rather not rub it in your face, but I don't think it's appropriate for us to continue to work together."
Ryan grits his teeth. "Is that right?"
"It must upset you working with the guy who stole your fiancée."
His voice is even and cool. "It doesn't bother me." He presses his eyes closed like he's willing any personal feelings away. "But if you're upset, I'll stand by my offer to buy you out."
"There's nothing in this for you."
He shakes his head. "I have my reasons."
"And they're professional?"
He clears his throat and moves away from the desk. "We're going to change our fee structure. Flat rates instead of billable hours."
I don't miss the fact that he doesn't answer the question.
"No."
