Page 127 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

"Good.Because Connor's probably already planning something for you you.Likely involving bagpipes and a flash mob."

"Tell him if he so much as hires a single bagpiper, I'll ensure his honeymoon suite mysteriously overlooks a construction site."

As we hang up, I find myself smiling for what feels like the first time in days.

The path forward isn't entirely clear, but the truth I've been avoiding certainly is…

I’ve been hiding behind principles to avoid vulnerability.

"Where to, sir?"my driver asks.

I hesitate only briefly."Abernathy Corp headquarters.I have some paperwork to reverse.And then..."I take a deep breath."Then I need to plan a proper Scottish apology."

The driver nods, pulling smoothly into traffic as Seattle's sunshine finally breaks through the clouds.

29

THE EMPEROR'S NEW RESUME

KARINA

“You don’t have time to have a complete nervous breakdown."

I announce this to my reflection on a Thursday evening in early September, as Seattle settles into that perfect equilibrium between summer and fall.

It’s warm enough for short sleeves during the day, but with a crisp edge that requires a light jacket after sunset.

The kind of weather that feels like possibility.

It's been three days since I received Ariana's job offer and two days since the video of Callum defending me against Richard went viral.

I've watched it exactly twenty-seven times, analyzing his expression, his words, his unexpected public declaration that has left social media aflame with speculation.

My apartment has become both sanctuary and prison.

I've cleaned it obsessively, reorganized my bookshelf three times, and panic-baked enough Armenian pastries to feed a small village.

None of it has brought clarity about what to do next.

The job offer sits open on my laptop.

Senior Partner at Ariana Reeves Crisis Management, heading their new "Corporate Authenticity Division."

A prestigious position with creative control, excellent benefits, and a clear path forward that doesn't involve groveling back to Abernathy Corp.

It's perfect.It's sensible.

It's exactly what I should want.

So why am I hesitating?

The doorbell interrupts my existential spiral.

Through the peephole, I spot not one but both of my sisters, arms laden with bags that suggest an extended stay rather than a casual visit.

I open the door, suspicion immediately replacing confusion."Whatever this is, I'm not interested."

"Too bad," Viktoria pushes past me, already heading for the kitchen."We've given you three days of dignified wallowing.Time's up."