Chapter 2

I pulled out the watch she'd given me for my birthday last year.

I used to treasure it.

Now? What a joke.

Everyone had their heads down, pretending to work while secretly watching the group chat drama.

I walked straight to the trash can.

Right in front of everyone, I tossed the watch in.

Clang.

The face smacked against the metal, loud and sharp.

The whole office went dead silent.

Everyone froze and stared at me.

I ignored them and blocked Peyton everywhere.

Back at my desk, I pulled up my account on Grandview Hotel's website.

Using my membership card, I booked a private lake-view room for eight at 6:00 p.m. the next day and paid the deposit in full.

In the notes, I added our prospective client Benjamin Parker's dietary restrictions: no seafood because of an allergy, no sweets, and vegetarian meals for two people in his group.

Once the reservation went through, I deleted the confirmation text.

When I finished, I looked up and caught Vincent sneaking a glance at me.

A smug look flashed across his face.

The second our eyes met, he stood and headed straight into Peyton's office.

A moment later, I heard him speak.

"Ms. Welch, can you put me in charge of this project?

"I've been researching it and preparing on my own for a while. I'm sure I can do just as well as Mr. Alford."

I couldn't hear Peyton's reply.

But Vincent glanced back at me with a smug, challenging look.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.

Peyton had tagged me in the work group chat again.

[@Andy Vincent will be fully responsible for tomorrow's business meeting. You'll assist him as needed.]

Around the office, people traded looks.

They were all waiting for me to blow up, argue, and make a scene.

I looked at the message and typed one word.

[Okay.]

I'd like to see how he lands the project I've spent six months on when he can't even book a private room.

***

The next morning, I walked into the office right at clock-in.

The second I stepped into the department, I almost laughed.

Vincent was sitting at my desk—the one reserved for the Business Development Director.

He had on a sharp suit and was kicked back in my chair, messing with my keyboard and mouse like the desk already belonged to him.

Coworkers walking by either pretended not to notice or quietly sucked up to him.

I walked over and looked down at him.

Vincent glanced up but didn't move. He just lifted his chin like he belonged there.

"Mr. Alford, since I'm in charge of this project, I'll be using this desk for now.

"I'll give it back when the project's over. You don't mind, right?"

He sounded casual, but he was clearly putting me on the spot. He was betting I'd keep the peace and let it slide.

What he didn't know was I wasn't the same Andy who'd swallowed everything and backed down in my last life.

I laughed.

"Grab your stuff and get out of my office."

Vincent's smile froze.

Then he sat up straight, instantly defensive.

"Ms. Welch approved it! She said I'm in charge of the project, so there's nothing wrong with me sitting here for now!"

I scoffed.

Instead of arguing with him, I turned and headed straight for Peyton's office.

When I pushed open the door, she was leaning back in her chair, flipping through some documents.

She looked up, raised an eyebrow, and gave me that familiar, amused smile.

"Here to make up with me? That was fast. You only lasted one night."