Chapter 14
With a sigh, I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the eighteenth floor. The doors slid shut, enclosing me in silence. I exhaled, leaning against the cool metal wall, my head tilting back as I closed my eyes. Get it together, Layla
The elevator dinged, breaking my thoughts, and the doors opened.
Stepping out, I immediately noticed how much
ch quieter it was up here. The floor was more refined, fewer people, more space. Everything was sleek, polished.
I spotted the receptionist’s desk a few feet ahead.
Straightening my shoulders, I started toward it, my worn boots sinking slightly into the plush carpet. I was almost there when I overheard them. Two women, standing just a few feet away, chatting in hushed but eager voices.
I wasn’t planning to eavesdrop, but the moment I heard my mother’s name, my feet slowed.
“Her fourth marriage, can you believe it?”
I clenched my jaw.
“Actually, it’s ber fifth,” the other woman corrected, leaning in like she was revealing some top–tier gossip. “Rumor has it her first husband died, some people claim she killed him for his money.”
My nails dug into my palms. Fucking imbeciles! Sprouting nothing but lies and nonsense. They kept talking, throwing dirty digs, snickering like it was the highlight of their day. I told myself to let it go, to keep walking and be the bigger person. Even though we’ve both established that’s not my strong suit.
But then-
“And the daughter?” one of them said, voice dripping with amusement. “Apparently, she’s no better. You know what they say, rotten apple, rotten tree.”
I stopped.
The world around me faded, replaced by a blinding wave of rage.
The next thing I knew, I was storming over, fists clenched,
bload roaring in my ears.
One of the women barely had time to react before my palm cracked against her cheek. The sound echoed, loud enough to turn heads.
Say that again,” I seethed, breathing hard.
She gaped at me, her hand flying to her face, eyes wide with disbelief.
“You psycho! Did you just-
I didn’t let her finish. “If you’re going to talk shit, at least have the guts to say it to my face.”
Her friend stepped in, snapping.
ing. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“What’s wrong with me? I let out a bitter laugh. “I was minding my business until you two started running your mouths. Who do you think you
The argument escalated, voices rising, sharp insults Blying back and forth. That old, reckless part of ng showed its way to the surface, the one that craved violence, craved trouble. I didn’t cate that we were in the middle of a high–end corporate building. Didn’t care about the scene I was making
Then hands grabbed my arms, security-
1 barely registered thenres I tried to claw at the woman’s hair, furious beyond reason
go of me!” I shouted, struggling against their grip.
This women were yelling too, playing the victins now, acting all outraged.
And then-
The command rang out, strong and unwavering Everything stilled. I turned, breathing hard, hair wild, and found Adam watching me. His face was
Chapter 14
unreadable, but his storm–grey eyes were locked onto mine with an intensity that made my stomach twist.
He stalked forward, each step deliberate.
“Let go of her,” he said to the guard.
The man hesitated, then released me.
Adam grabbed my wrist, his grip firm but not painful, and pulled me toward the elevators. I didn’t fight him. I was too shaken, too angry, and for whatever stupid reason, I felt like crying.
The elevator doors slid shut, enclosing us
He pressed the button for the 23rd floor.
I kept my eyes on the ground, breathing univenly, my pulse hammering. I wasn’t sure if I was more pissed at those women or myself, for letting them get to me, for losing control so easily.
When the doors opened, I followed him out.
The floor was eerily empty, everything looking brand new. He led me into a spacious office, sleek and pristine, and shut the door behind us. I turned on my heel, desperate to leave. “I don’t have the energy for whatever lecture you’re about to
“Sit down,” he said, voice tight.
1 shook my head. “I just want to ge
get out of here.”
He exhaled sharply, running a hand d
I denen his face before gripping the desk and leaning forward, trying to steady himself.
I took the chance to bolt, heading straight for the door. But before I could reach for the handle, he was there.
Faster than I could react, he moved, blocking my path
1 sigbed, exfuusted. “Move.”
His eyes flicked over my face, searching, calculating. No way was I letting this bastard see me cry, I was going to protect my dignity, or whatever was left of it, at all cost. Then, in a muchi calmer voice, he asked,
“What did they do?”
I frowned. “What?”
He straightened, his expression unreadable, “What did those wonten say to make you achout like that?”
I scoffed. “Why do you cure?”
He didn’t answer. I tried to push past him, but in an instant, I was against the door, his body caging mine in.
The breath left my lungs. I swallowed hard, pulse spiking again for an entirely different
Teason.
