"What is she doing?" I whispered.
I saw Cole.
"Blowing it all up," Mark said. "She's furious they're tying her name to this."
HR raised a hand to calm her. Alyssa talked over it.
Then someone slid a manila folder across the table toward Cole. He stopped talking mid-sentence.
His entire posture shifted, like the wind had gone out of him.
**
About 20 minutes later, the door opened again. Cole stepped into the hallway, eyes wide when he saw me.
"Paige," he said softly.
I didn't move.
His entire posture shifted.
He stepped forward. "This isn't what it looks like, honey."
"I won't do this in front of strangers. You did enough of that."
Mark scoffed behind me.
"You said you'd send money," I said. "I need it in writing. Then you'll finally learn how to live without hiding behind a paycheck and lies."
His jaw tightened. "Paige —"
"No." I held up a hand. "You don't get to 'Paige' me like we're still a team."
