Page 174 of Empire State Enemies

Lexi may think I’m an asshole, but there’s nothing Grace could say to me to get her fired. It’s fucking ironic that she might be the only one in this whole goddamn company with immunity.

“Look, Grace, I don’t have time for games. Can you just pass along the message?”

Her gaze narrows. “I said no. Leave my sister alone.”

Well, that’s a first. Didn’t expect to get sass from a college intern half my size.

I raise an eyebrow at her defiance. Same fire and attitude as her older sister. One of the few people who can stand up to me.

I exhale, trying to crank back my irritation. “Fine. I’ll take it that even if you say you won’t, you’ll let Lexi know I’m trying to apologize.”

She presses her lips together. “Is that all? I’m actually quite busy.”

A laugh escapes me, despite myself. “Yeah, that’s all.”

Gonna miss this one, I realize with a tinge of sadness.

???

“They’re ready and waiting for you, boss,” our events manager says, smiling.

I force an easy grin. “Looking forward to it,” I reply before striding into the buzzing conference hall.

Today’s a big day for our interns, their chance to shine in front of the company’s veterans, showcasing their hard work and potential. We even encourage them to bring their families along, so long as their projects are on the right side of classified.

Events like this are my thing—I’m the charming, approachable face of the company, the guy who makes everyone feel at ease behind the cold corporate exterior. Supposedly. At least when my damn health cooperates.

There’s a buzz of excitement mixed with nerves in the hall, especially from the interns up front. Can’t blame the kids for looking anxious. The cavernous hall and theater seating is enough to intimidate anyone, whether they’re new to the game or seasoned pros.

But they’ve got no reason to sweat. We only take the best. Some of these newbies even manage to steal the spotlight from our more seasoned staff, who might’ve gotten a bit too cozy in their roles.

My eyes find Grace among them, nerves betraying her as she fidgets with notecards. She’s speaking today—to 300 people. It’ll be the biggest crowd of her young career.

It’s been a fortnight since we last crossed paths—no reason to.

My presence probably adds an extra layer of pressure. I doubt she’s thrilled about it. But working with people you dislike is part of the job. She’ll have to get used to it. Plenty can’t stand their boss.

My jaw clenches as I make my way to the stage, fully aware that Lexi’s out there in the crowd. She’d show, putting her love for her sister above her disdain for me.

I don’t know why it fucking bothers me so much, but I’d lay down serious cash that Lexi will be glaring holes through me with those stunning eyes of hers the whole damn speech.

This is my first time hitting the stage at a big event since that godforsaken interview. Thank fuck there’s no Q&A today—I say my piece then let the interns take the spotlight.

Following Killian’s ridiculous intervention, my hearing’s been out of whack, but I’m on some new experimental meds now.

I’ve been laying low, aiming for solid nights’ sleep, and even ran a half marathon last Saturday to clear my head.

Need to find some way to calm this relentless mind.

Telling the family has been a mixed bag. Just like I figured, it’s turned into everyone’s pet project. Can’t have a damn conversation without it being front and center.

Killian’s been playing doctor now, throwing money at whatever he thinks will help. He’s pushing for me to take a long break, kick back and relax, but I’m not having any of it.

Clodagh’s been dropping by for coffee, probably checking I haven’t spiraled into some wild bender, surrounded by champagne and hookers.

Mom’s on my case nonstop, ringing me daily and harassing me with links to all sorts of witch-doctor stuff. Apparently, there’s some guy in Ireland who can chant away my hearing problems with ancient Gaelic magic. Because that’s exactly what modern medicine was missing.

And Teagan, she’s taken to yelling, making damn sure I’ve caught every word she says.