Chapter 4

Back at the front desk, Megan was helping two visitors.

Paige's parents.

She leaned in, eager to gossip. "Ms. Carter's parents. They're here to see their future son-in-law!"

She lowered her voice. "Guess who?

"Enzo Cowan! I told you they were dating!"

Last year, Paige had asked Enzo to play her boyfriend so her parents would stop pushing her to get married.

I hadn't wanted him to. He'd agreed anyway, saying it was just an act.

Play pretend long enough, and I guess it becomes real.

I called Enzo's office, my face blank.

"Mr. Cowan, your future in-laws are at the front desk. They're here to see you."

Two seconds of silence. Then a mocking laugh.

"Brielle, seriously? Sending your parents to pressure me?"

Paige rushed out and lowered her voice. "Brielle, I'm sorry. My parents just showed up.

"Enzo has to play my boyfriend again to get them off my back.

"Please don't be mad. Last time, I promise."

What a joke.

"We broke up. You don't owe me an explanation."

Enzo came out and went straight to Paige's parents, greeting them politely.

Then he turned to me. "Brielle, don't just stand there. Bring some coffee up!"

Paige's mom glanced at me. "Enzo, you need higher standards for receptionists.

"They don't have to be as capable as Paige, but you can't hire just anyone. Right?"

Enzo smiled and agreed.

I stood there as they backed each other up. I felt nothing.

After work, Enzo took Paige and her parents to dinner.

I went home, packed a suitcase, and checked into a hotel.

Early the next morning, I went to Nortune to hand off my work.

Megan rushed over the second I walked into the lobby.

"Brielle, we've got a huge problem!

"Yesterday's deal fell through!"

I stopped.

"Someone leaked confidential data!" she said. "The other company wants someone held responsible."

My phone rang. Enzo.

"My office. Now."

Paige was there, looking crushed.

"Brielle, why would you do this?

"People's bonuses were riding on that deal!"

I reeled and turned to Enzo.

"You think I leaked the data?"

He looked torn, but didn't deny it.

"Why would you think it was me?"

He got up and walked over. "You were the only one in my office yesterday."

My hands shook with anger. I fought to stay calm.

"No. Paige and her parents were there too. Check the security footage."

Paige's voice caught. "Brielle, I know you're upset. My parents embarrassed you yesterday.

"But this deal was huge.

"If you're mad, take it out on me. Why wreck everyone's hard work?"

Enzo's face filled with disappointment.

"Brielle, you're a lost cause!

"You cost this company a fortune. The contract penalty is $90,000.

"You're paying it."

Blood rushed to my head. I made every word clear.

"I won't admit to something I didn't do.

"If you think I did it, call the cops."

I left without grabbing my things.

Outside his office, everyone stared.

"She leaked the data. I heard she wanted revenge on Paige."

"She seemed so quiet. Who knew she was trying to steal Paige's boyfriend?"

"Now she's paying for it. Serves her right!"

Enzo texted.

[Apologize in front of everyone, Brielle, and I'll cover the $90,000.]

I laughed bitterly, shut off my phone, and left the building.

***

Third-Person POV

Enzo got to his parents' house that evening, exhausted.

He'd spent hours calming everyone down. That and the failed deal had left him in a foul mood.

He sank onto the couch and kept checking his chat with Brielle.

Still no reply.

His mom, Helen Cowan, took one look at him and complained.

"Brielle needs to grow up!

"You're exhausted, and she storms off instead of staying home to take care of you."

Enzo froze.

"Mom, what did you say?"

"Brielle left... You didn't know?"

He shot to his feet. His phone hit the floor.