Page 9 of Logan

“I yelled at you?” I sit up straight. “You’re the one who yelled at me. I never shout. Never.” I shake my head. “Unbelievable,” I declare, leaning back with a resigned shrug. “Now I can’t even walk around in my own company headquarters.”

“Maybe you should be a little less harsh with them?” Cora suggests.

“I have high standards for myself, and I expect no less from my team. If they can't handle that, they're free to seek employment elsewhere. I won't coddle incompetence.”

Cora throws up her hands in defeat. “Fine, it's your funeral. No wonder you made the list.”

Enough is enough. I need to understand what she’s talking about. “Show me whatever article you’re referring to,” I demand, my curiosity piqued as I lean forward, eager to see what has prompted this discussion.

She opens her phone, swiftly navigates to the article, andaims the screen at me, her expression unreadable as I scan the title.

The Fifty Most Powerful and Cruel CEOs in the World.

Well, at least Georgina isn’t responsible for this. I scoff. “Where did I end up?”

Cora mocks a wide grin. “Twenty-three.”

“Huh. Plenty of room for improvement, then.”

The chef appears at the arched entryway to inform us that dinner is served. We troop into the formal dining room, an elegant affair of gleaming mahogany and glittering chandeliers, and take our seats around the long table.

There’s a palpable silence as the chef pours the crab bisque into our bowls.

“Mom’s favorite dish,” Cora remarks, her gaze lingering on the offering. “She was…”

“She was what?” Liam asks, his voice laced with agitation. “She left us.”

“She didn’t leave,” I interject in a hushed tone. “She died. It’s not a choice.”

“Really?” Liam’s eyes dart toward Dad, seeking validation, but Dad remains impassive. “Because I think she left us long before that day.” With a frustrated sigh, Liam slaps his napkin onto the table and storms out of the room.

Chapter Three

SLOANE

Aloud knock sounds on the door, jolting me out of my daydreams. I hurry to answer it, only to find myself face-to-face with a familiar figure.

“What do you want, Johnny?” I confront him, standing firm, blocking the doorway with my body. “I already told you I’m not interested.”

“I wanted to apologize again. Did you get my messages?” He extends a large bouquet toward me, his smile hopeful.

I meet his gaze with a mixture of defiance and hurt, refusing to take the bouquet from his outstretched hand. “Yes, I got your messages.”

His smile wavers, sensing the icy chill in my response. “I didn’t hear from you.”

I grit my teeth. “Because I can’t forgive what you did. I don’t want you back in my life.”

“It’s been almost a year, Sloane. Are youso unable to forgive a one-time mistake? People make mistakes. I’ve realized I was stupid. You’re the woman of my life. Let me show you how much I’ve changed,” he pleads, his eyes searching mine for any sign of wavering resolve.

“I’d rather get a massage from a group of tigers than take you back.” With that, I turn away and storm inside, slamming the door behind me.

Ugh.Why does he have to ruin my day? I often find myself lost in fantasies of dukes and romance, but the reality I face is far from charming—it’s a downright bitter pill.

He betrayed me, sleeping with my friend and shattering my trust. Everyone knew about it before me. And he has the audacity to call it a one-time mistake?

Please. I know better. There were at least three different instances that I know of, and I can only imagine there were more.

How could I ever trust someone like him again? And Kelly… I considered her a friend, but with a friend like her, who needs enemies?