Chapter 10
Robert had found me. Victoria was threatening me. And now I was heading to meet the man who’d first taught me that trust was just another weapon to be used against me.
The whiskey burned going down, but it wasn’t enough to wash away Victoria Palmer’s threats or Diana’s ultimatum
One phone call could end this whole mess. Tell Caspian to take the Warriors deal. Walk away, Save both our careers,
But when did I ever choose the easy way
My computer pinged with a new email alert – the Warriors PR team had just released old photos from graduation night.
There I was, leaving Caspian’s house at dawn, wearing his jersey,
My hand shook as 1 scrolled through the comments already flooding social media. “Drake’s secret high school sweetheart?” “Love triangle with team owner’s daughter?” “Questions about lawyer’s professional ethics…”
“Quite a scandal you’ve created.” Diana’s voice made me jump. She stood in my doorway. Louboutins clicking against the marble floor as she entered.
Her expression reminded me of a judge about to pass sentence.
“Palmer’s daughter just showed me some interesting recent photos too. Late night meetings, private conversations…
Her perfectly manicured nails drummed against my desk. “Care to explain?
“They’re attorney–client consultations. I met her gaze steadily, channeling every ounce of steel I’d developed over six year
years. “Nothing more.
“Really?” She pulled out her phone, scrolling through what looked like surveillance photos
“Because these tell a different story. The way he looks at you… The board is meeting right now to discuss Sterling Investment’s threatened withdrawal. Eight figures of business, Miss Winters. That’s what your… history with Mr. Drake might cost us.”
My phone buzzed, ESPN breaking news: Warriors Question Drake’s Contract Status After Evidence of Personal Relationship with Legal Counsel Emerges.
“Fix this by morning,” Diana said, turning to leave. “Or don’t bother coming in tomorrow. And Sage?
She paused at the door. “Whatever he meant to you back then… remember where your loyalty lies now.”
The moment she left, I pulled up the Warriors full statement.
My stomach turned as I read their carefully worded accusations.
They were painting me as Caspian’s bitter ex, using my position at Morgan & Wright for revenge. The perfect excuse to void his contract.
My laptop chimed with an incoming video call.
Olivia Sterling’s smug face filled the screen, her perfect makeup a stark contrast to my whiskey–induced flush.
“Ready to admit defeat yet, Winters? Daddy’s board meeting starts in an hour. Though honestly…” She examined her manicure with exaggerated care. “Your career was over the moment those graduation photos leaked. No respectable firm will touch you after this.”
I ended the call without responding, but my hands were shaking as I reached for the whiskey again.
Six years of careful planning, of proving I belonged in this world of power suits and trust funds, all crumbling because of “Don’t even think about taking that deal.”
1 spun around Caspian stood in my doorway, suit jacket missing, the loose.
He looked like he’d been running his hands through his hair for hours. The sight of him still hit me like a physical blow
“Get out.” I stood up, needing the height of my heels to face him. “I mean it, Caspian. Whatever you’re selling, I’m not buying.
They’re using us against each other.” He closed the door, his presence filling my office with memories I couldn’t outrun
“Victoria, her father, the Warriors – they’re playing us like pieces on a board. And you know why?”
BN
10jes Jój jou
Charter 10
He took a step closer, close enough that I could smell his cologne:
Because they’re terrified of what happens if we actually start talking. If we tell the truth about everything
“And whose fault is that?” The whiskey made me brave. Or stupid. Or maybe just tired of running. If you hadn’t made that bet
“I didn’t take the money! His fist slammed my desk, making me jump,
Papers scattered, including the latest threatening email from Victoria. I tried to tell you that night. I went to your house, but Robert
Chapter Comments
Ó LIKE
