Page 125 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

"You're in love with her," he says, not a question but an accusation.

I don't reply, but my silence is answer enough.

Richard stands abruptly."Well, this has been illuminating.I suppose I should congratulate you on finally showing some human emotion, even if it's for my ex."

"Richard," I say as he turns to leave, "stay away from Karina and Abernathy Corp.Your days of manipulating us both are over."

He pauses, then offers a mock salute before striding out, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.

Sheila clears her throat."That was...unexpected."

"For both of us," I admit, suddenly aware of the dozens of phones that have undoubtedly captured the entire exchange.

My own phone buzzes with an incoming text from Alana.

Sir, we have a situation.CNN just called asking for comment on your "public defense of Karina Peters."Video already on Twitter.#AbernathyShowdown trending.

Before I can process this, another notification appears—an email from HR confirming that Karina has received and acknowledged her termination paperwork.

The stark bureaucratic language hits me with surprising force, crystallizing something I've been fighting against for days.

I made a mistake.

"Mr.Abernathy?"Sheila prompts."Would you like to continue the interview?"

"Actually," I say, standing, "I need to handle something urgently.But I'd be happy to reschedule."

"Of course."She smiles.“I, uh…think I have enough for quite a compelling story already."

I leave enough cash to cover both our meals and a generous tip, then stride out of the restaurant just as my phone rings with Connor's name on the display.

"Have you completely lost your mind?"he demands immediately."There are already GIFs of your brother's face when you called him out.Luke says it's the fastest spreading video since the original kilt post."

"Not now, Connor," I say, sliding into my waiting car.

"Yes now.Especially since you should know that Ariana just offered Karina a job at her crisis management firm."

This stops me cold."What?"

"Happened this morning.Full partnership track, creative control over their new corporate authenticity division.Inspired by the #BeyondYourLabel movement, apparently."

"She accepted?"

"Not yet.Seems she's still processing everything."Connor's voice softens."Including why a certain CEO declined to press charges despite significant board pressure."

I did decline.

The decision had come almost automatically, surprising even me with its clarity.

Even with everything that went on, the thought of Karina facing legal consequences had been unbearable.

"Connor, I need to?—"

"I know, I know.Go fix it.But first, you should probably read the daily media update from Alana.It's...special."

As if on cue, my phone buzzes with Alana's email.The subject line alone makes me groan.

“URGENT: Unauthorized Musical & Other Updates."