Chapter 34

“Are you…are you firing me?” Eve asked Arec when she could speak.

Arec stood so fast that Eve didn’t realize it at first. He walked over to her and grasped her upper arms.

“No,” he said in a soft voice. “I’m not firing you. I’m just asking you to take a leave of absence. Fully paid, of course.”

“But why?” Eve asked, staring at Arec. “I don’t understand.”

Arec glanced toward the office door and said, “I’ll tell you later today when I return home after work. For now, though, go back to my house and stay there. I’ll call for the chauffeur to bring the car around.”

“Should I pack up my desk?” Eve asked.

Arec shook his head and said, “Just take your purse with you.”

“Who’s going to take care of the work while I’m gone?” she asked.

Looking away from her, Arec said, “Mother suggested Sabrina take over your duties.”

“What?” Eve asked, her mouth dropping open. “Why?”

“I’ll explain tonight, Eve,” he told her, looking at her again. “I promise.”

Eve looked at Arec and snapped her mou