The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69

A04

fice was on the

okshelf bel

floor–floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking the harbor, a single framed journalism award on

computer, her expression carefully composed. “Come in. Close the door, please.

hat Jane wanted. Her expression gave nothing away, a atch sounded unnaturally loud.

made my palms sweat against my bag strap. The

stured to the chair across from her desk. “Sit.”

long moment, neither of us

ce against her desk, then stilled. Her jaw worked, as if she were

osing words carefully.

owe you an apolo

tever

ew.”

nal, but something raw flickered beneath it. “I saw what James was doing. The way he hand…” She stopped, exhaled sharply. “I saw. And I did nothing.”

st night. But James’s… habits aren’t exactly a secret. Not among those of us who’ve been here long enough.”

in her chair, her gaze direct and unflinching. “He’s a partner. He has two Pulitzers and a Peabody. He’s brought in some of ories this paper has ever run. And so the higher–ups have chosen, for years, to look the other way.”

settled over me like ice water

e harassed?”

per before it starts. He’s made people

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hing bitter crossing her face. “It’s caster to store site, fod.

Chapter 69

I stood as well, my legs unstidy.

mdum to not make waves.

ke fixed bed somewhere past my shoulder.

Jane smiled–small, sad but entines de

A beat of silence.

“I want to talk about your future here bere take wild thi

Jane moved back to her desk, pulling out totus fuldi. “Whatever I’ll advocate for you personally. If you want to dt roleave

She She opened the folder, revealing what looked like the legal decur

1st stared at the papers.

episte. She met my eyes, and I saw something raw raw as loves overreacting, being paranoid. I told myself aself a

Stay Stay or go.

The The choice should have felt impossible. But in that mat moment

e way she contamended respect in every meeting. And alldall

“I want want to leave,” I said.

strained. I only foundaund the courage to say these things after after years of silence. She l@hedet out a hollow laugh. “Compared to edite

LeaviLeaving doesn’t mean I’m afraid. It means I’m brave eave enogh path path ahead is uncertain.

Jane model exodded, unsurprised. “I understand.”

She pusheshed the folder across the desk. “I’ve made sure the tamed

e done or rather, wheat what defailed to do. I know the

I gatherethered the folder, preparing to leave. But at the door, I hest

is behavior patterns.” Jane’s expresxpression softened

walked through that door after your you.

“Jane?lane?”

“Yes?”

“Someone told meldone recently that I’m a brave girl.” The memory of

unwavering. At that the time, I thought I was anything but brave.

I turned to face herdier fully.

“But he was right. And and so are you–you are brave. Maybe it took

“I wish I’d been that brave fifteen years as ago.

Jane’s eyes glistened, bud, but she blinked rapidly, maintaining her co

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“You too.

Chapter 69

I stood as well, my legs unsteady. “It’s not too late.”

d–small, sad, but genuine. “Maybe.”

76 Talk about your future here,

moved back to her

I’ll advocate for

“ing back to business mode.

ver you decide, I support it. If you want to stay, I’ll make sure you’re protected.

She

ke legal documents. “I’ve already spoken to HR about a severance package.

ve felt impossible. But in that moment, something crystallized inside me–sharp and clear and undeniable.

I said.

n’t mean I’m afraid. It means I’m brave eno

s uncertain.

ded, unsurprised. “I under

hed the folde

r fully.

next, even when I don’t know what that is. Even when th

hs are more than fair. Take your time reviewing them.”

r, I hesitated.

at I’m a brave girl.” The memory of Daniel’s voice in that convenience store rose unbidden–steady, certain, thought I was anything but brave.”

1. ht. And so are you

get here, but you’re here now.”

na Johnson.”

3/