No Strings Attached

Chapter Forty-Four

And this is completely my fault.

Giovanni tried to tell me. He tried to get me to speak out, and I fought against him at every turn. I focused on the fact that I could have destroyed his life instead of worrying about my own.

The rest of the way to work, I'm shaken by the news, struggling to regain the confidence I possessed leaving my apartment. People cross me each way in the lobby of the building, everyone in a hurry. I ride up the elevator, clicking onto the executive floor– Norman's.

I clasp my hands before me to keep them from trembling, trying to clear my mind enough to think clearly.

I will leave this office with an answer.

I will leave this office enlightened.

I will not back down.

My thoughts flash to Giovanni, almost six months ago, standing in the conference room with Norman as I looked on helplessly. I remember the way his eyes, once bright and determined, dulled with each word Norman said.

I never believed Norman was capable of blackmail.

I knew he would say whatever he could to get him to leave but to actually go to the lengths to threaten to ruin someone...

The doors open, and I hear silence.

I step out, glancing around, noticing his assistant hasn't made it in yet.

"No, the poster's font needs to be widened. The blue needs to be darker, a navy blue..."

Norman's already in.

Okay, Scarlett. Okay.

I walk towards his office, my heels clicking against the ground.

"I need to go. Send it to me by lunch," I hear Norman say before I've even entered, recognizing my step. As soon as I turn into the hallway, seeing his double doors wide open and his body behind his desk, looking my way, I breathe in.

"Norman," I hum, turning to grab onto both doors, shutting them closed.

"Scarlett, I'm glad you're here early..."

"I know. I blew up yesterday. I'm sorry. That man can just bring out the worst in me."

I slowly make my way to his desk, setting down my purse beside the seat. He's watching me cautiously.

"He tests quite a few people here."

"I won't let him get to me like that again."

Norman, dressed in a crisp suit, his yellow tie not all the way tightened since we're not in business hours yet, eyes me quietly. I don't break under his stare, looking right back as I sit down.

"I asked Rebecca why you were leaving. She said you fought with Martinelli after the conference."

"I did."

"About what?"

I purse my lips. "We rehashed what we spoke of in the conference... Why? What do you think we would fight about?"

"Well, it got pretty personal in that meeting, Scarlett. You can't lose yourself like that with him. He's going to try to test you."

I frown. "Why did you schedule that meeting without me, really?"

"Because I knew what would happen!"

"You thought I wouldn't be able to handle it? Is that what you are saying?"

"Scarlett, I know you better than anyone. I know you haven't moved on from that man."

My head tilts curiously. "You don't know me better than anyone."