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From:Nina Higgins

To:Mark Preston

Cc:Kate Monroe

Thanks, Mark.

I’ll be delighted to take on your cases, Kate. I know they'll be in excellent shape for me to pick up and continue working with your clients.

Let me know when you have time in your schedule to begin the case familiarization and handover process. Might I suggest not leaving it too late, perhaps a month to six weeks before your departure.

Regards,

Nina

Ugh, not even a fucking “kind”before the regards, and who the fuck does she think she is? Of course, I wouldn’t leave it “too late” to hand over my cases.

Moody, irritable, and now desperate to pee, I make my way to the bathroom and almost get taken out when the door swings toward me.

“Oh shit. Sorry, babe,” Felicity winces.

“No worries.” My tone is flat, like my mood.

“What’s wrong?” She reaches out, placing a gentle hand on my arm.

Getting antsy to make it to the bathroom, I whisper-hiss. “Nina Higgins is taking over my caseload.”

“What??TheNina Higgins?” Her eyes flare with surprise.

Not helping Felicity.

“Yes. There’s only one. She’ll make me look like an amateur.”

“Well, that’s not true. And you never put yourself down, so don’t start now.”

“I’m not putting myself down. I’m just saying I can’t live up to her.” I glance around to make sure no one’s listening.

Felicity looks down at my crossed legs and smirks. “Let’s resume this conversation when you aren’t about to pee yourself, shall we?”

She steps to the side, and I dash in, thankfully making it in time.

Nina Higgins nearly made me pee myself,literally.Ideally, I should wait and have a full bladder for the scan I’m about to have, but with the way I’m peeing lately, I’ll no doubt be desperate again in a half hour.

Returning to my desk, I check my email for more delights, but this time, my phone screen lights up.

JJ

I’m outside. Do you want me to come up or wait here?

Me

I’m coming down now.

Grabbing my jacket and bag, I smile at my best friend as she says, “Two girls,” and gives me a matching thumbs-up.

There’s been a lot of speculation around the office, but no confirmation about who the father is. I’ve heard whispers in the kitchenette, where some have said it’s Tom’s. At one point, I almost choked on my coffee when I heard one of the receptionists claim I’ve been having an affair with Mark Preston.

The truth is, Jensen and I will announce the twins when we’re ready. Just because he’s thrust into the limelight doesn’t mean every member of the public is entitled to every detail of his, or now my, life.