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One week. I’ve got one week to prove myself.
The thought of James’s ultimatum sends anxiety surging through me like an icy current.I’ve never felt so out of my depth. But there’s no way I’m going to let him win. I refuse to be the weak link he expects me to be.
My phone buzzes in my pocket as I start walking to the train station. Pulling it out, I see a message from Nathan.
Nathan
Survived?
A small smile tugs at my lips as I type back a quick reply.
Barely. But I’m on my way home to sleep it off.
Nathan
Same. Let’s not do that again anytime soon.
Agreed.
I slide my phone back into my pocket and let out a deep sigh. Today was a disaster, but it’s over now. Tomorrow is a new day, and I’ll be damned if I don’t walk into that office ready to fight for my place. No matter what it takes.
At home, I drop my purse on the kitchen counter and head straight for my bedroom, stripping off my clothes and collapsing onto the bed. My head is still pounding, but at least now I can close my eyes and let sleep take me. Before I drift off, one last thought crosses my mind.
I need to stop thinking about him.
But even as I make that vow, I know it’s useless. He’s already under my skin, and there’s no escaping him now.
Chapter fifteen
Cora
When I wake up,it’s with a clearer head and a renewed sense of determination. The hangover has dulled to a faint throb, and the embarrassment of yesterday lingers like a bad dream—one I’m eager to shake off.
I rise with purpose, the sting of yesterday’s mistakes pushing me forward. Today there’s no room for errors. I’m going to walk into that office, head held high, and show James Hayes exactly who he’s dealing with.
On the train to work, I nibble on raisin toast between sips of coffee, my mind already buzzing with ideas for the strategy I need to create. I mentally map out my day, aware that every minute counts. First, I’ll review the company’s internal HR reports, then I’ll gather feedback from employees. If I’m going to make a difference, I need to understand the problems from the ground up.
When I arrive at the office, a few curious glances come my way, but I brush them off. Nathan, looking much more like his usual self, waves from his desk, and I return the gesture with a slight smile.
Settling into my chair, I take a steadying breath. This is my chance to prove I’m not just some bad hire or worse, a threat. I dive into the reports, my focus razor-sharp, and the hours slip by in a blur as I start piecing together the challenges Hayes & Hayward Media is facing. The toxic culture, the palpable fear of upper management, the glaring lack of communication—it’s daunting, but for the first time, a spark of excitement flickers to life within me.
I can do this.
By lunchtime I’ve made significant progress, but I’m far from done. As I consider interviewing employees, a thought strikes me—I need to figure out a way to do that without running into James. The idea of facing him again so soon makes my stomach twist. The memory of my stupid suggestion that he spank me makes me flush. Avoiding him is absolutely necessary at this point.
Why, just why?!
Determined to spare myself further humiliation, I decide to ask Dameon’s permission to interview a few employees instead of risking another encounter with James. There’s only so much embarrassment one person can take, and I’ve definitely hit my quota.
Entering the foyer on the top floor, I spot Portia at her desk, looking as fabulous as ever. “Hi Portia, I was wondering if Dameon is available for a chat? I don’t have an appointment, though.”
“Sure, hon. Let me check for you.” She picks up the phone, and while she’s distracted, I glance toward James’s office. The frosted glass walls hide him from view, but I can imagine him behind that large desk, his long, strong fingers tapping away at the keyboard. My breath stutters, and I shift my weight from one foot to the other.
“You can go on through; he’s free now.”
I let out a breath and head toward Dameon’s office, relieved it’s in the opposite direction. With a light knock on the door, I step inside. The office mirrors James’s—a spacious corner office surrounded by windows and opaque glass walls, with a sitting area to the side and a commanding glass desk at its center.
Dameon rises from the couch, offering a firm handshake. “You must be Cora. Welcome to Hayes & Hayward Media. Please, take a seat.”