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“I confronted Victoria with solid evidence linking her to everything,” I told her. “The sabotage, the health inspection setup, the supplier bribes. She tried to play it cool, but she knows she’s in trouble. I made it clear that if she comes at you again, she’ll face legal action, and she won’t be able to talk her way out of it.”
Scarlett watched me closely, searching my face.
“And you think that’s enough? You think she’s just going to slink away and lick her wounds?” Scarlett asked.
I exhaled. “No. But I do think she won’t make any rash moves. She knows she’s under scrutiny now.”
Scarlett leaned back in the chair, pressing her fingers to her temples.
She was exhausted—I could see it in the way her shoulders slumped slightly, in the way she let her guard down just a little.
She sighed. “I need a minute. Can I use your bathroom?”
“Of course.” I gestured to the private door in the corner of my office.
She stood, smoothing her dress before disappearing inside.
I ran a hand down my face, releasing a slow breath. That could have gone worse.
At least she wasn’t storming out, still fuming. That was something.
Scarlett took her time in there, which I didn’t mind. If she needed space to think, I’d give it to her.
Eventually, the door opened, and she stepped out, looking… different. Softer.
She met my eyes. “I appreciate what you did.”
I nodded, waiting.
Scarlett inhaled, hesitating before saying, “After I pushed you away, I thought… I thought you’d given up on me.”
I stood and closed the space between us, tilting her chin up gently.
“Scarlett,” I said, voice rough with emotion, “I don’t give up on the people I love.”
Her breath caught, and for a second, I thought she might say something—might say the words back.
But then her phone rang.
She startled, glancing down at the screen. “It’s the restaurant,” she murmured.
I nodded. “Go.”
She hesitated, her eyes lingering on mine for a beat longer before she turned and walked out.
I let out a breath, rubbing the back of my neck.
That woman was going to be the death of me.
I turned back to my desk, but out of the corner of my eye, I caught something small sitting on the side table near the bathroom door.
Scarlett’s purse.
She must’ve left it in there.
Shaking my head, I picked it up, intending to call her and let her know.
Hell, maybe I’d just bring it to her. It was an excuse to see her again, even if only for a few minutes.