Chapter 3

A chill ran through me.

In our three years together, every time we fought and talked about breaking up, I was always the one who gave in.

I'd soften, hold on to the past, and refuse to let us end.

So Peyton thought this was just another tantrum.

She was sure I'd come crawling back like always.

She'd always believed I couldn't live without her.

I looked at her cold, beautiful face and pushed down everything churning inside me.

"I'm not here to make up. I meant what I said yesterday. We're done."

The amusement vanished from Peyton's face, replaced by surprise.

She really hadn't expected me to mean it this time.

Before she could answer, I kept going.

"And what gives you the right to hand my office over to an intern? Vincent doesn't even have a full-time offer yet. Everyone can see how blatantly you're favoring him. What do you think they're gonna say?"

The second I mentioned Vincent, she relaxed.

A dismissive smile returned to her face.

She stood and reached for my hand, her voice turning gentle.

"I thought it was something serious. So this is about Vincent.

"How many times do I have to tell you? There's nothing going on between us. We went to the same school, so I look out for him a little more.

"He's about to get a full-time offer. He just needs one solid project.

"If he closes this deal, he's in.

"Andy, you already have seniority and a strong track record. You don't need this opportunity. Just let him have this one, okay?"

As she reached for me, I stepped aside.

Her fingers brushed my sleeve and grabbed nothing.

Looking at her phony smile, I finally snapped.

"If you wanted to give him a chance, why didn't you put him in charge from day one?

"I pulled countless all-nighters on that proposal. I spent six months chasing this deal and months building trust with the client.

"Now everything's finally ready to close, and suddenly you're handing all the credit to someone else. Real generous.

"Just because he went to school with you and knows how to play nice and act like the victim, I'm supposed to step aside and let you two take everything?"

Peyton's face darkened, but she still tried to smooth things over.

"This is work. You're just helping out a new hire. Don't be so petty."

"Petty?"

I let out a cold laugh.

"Fine. If you're that determined to back him, I've got nothing else to say.

"Let's see if he can actually handle the project."

I turned and slammed the door behind me.

***

The second I stepped out of Peyton's office, Vincent walked over.

He gave me an innocent smile, sounding almost nervous.

"Mr. Alford, how'd it go? What did Ms. Welch say?

"If she wants me to move, I'll move right away. I'd never want to upset you."

He acted all innocent, but the smug look in his eyes gave him away.

I looked down at him.

"I hope you get to keep that seat for a while."

Without another word, I took my stuff to an empty desk and got to work.

Everyone kept sneaking looks at me, whispering among themselves.

Some looked sympathetic. Others were clearly waiting for the drama.

But before long, most of them crowded around Vincent again, sucking up to him.

He was running the project now, and he had the VP backing him.

Of course everyone wanted to stay on his good side.