The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 352

"Mia, keep this from Mr. Wycliffe for now," Suzie's low voice pulled her assistant from her thoughts. "Let me think of a solution."

Mia choked back a sob. "Okay. But... shouldn't we at least talk to Stella? Maybe she knows what to do?"

A bitter smile touched Suzie's lips. "You know exactly what I've been through these past few years, Mia. I owe them all so much—especially with how much they love the kids. I carry that weight every day. Now that I'm finally standing on my own two feet, there are some battles I have to fight alone."

Tears pooled in Suzie's eyes, and Mia gave a slow, understanding nod. Desperate not to make her boss cry, Mia looked up at the ceiling, blinking rapidly, before forcing a lighthearted tone. "Well, if we don't tell Stella, isn't she going to be furious with you later?"

"I'll handle Stella. Look, this is just a negotiation," Suzie said, letting out a long, shuddering breath as she tried to sound confident. "We've survived negotiations before. We'll get through this."

She turned back to her computer, quickly opening a specific folder. Scanning the documents inside, she felt a fraction of the weight lift from her chest.

It wasn't a foolproof guarantee, but it was something. She was going to have to walk right into the Baylor Group.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed Aaron Stillman's number.

It rang a few times before a voice answered. "Hello, who is this?"

"Mr. Stillman, it's Suzie Sterling," she said, her tone sharp and purely professional. She had his number memorized, though her own was only known to a trusted few.

Suzie gritted her teeth. Of course. He's been waiting for me to call.

She glanced at the clock. It was almost the end of the workday. Tomorrow would have to do.

"Tomorrow morning at nine. I'll be at the Baylor Group."

Silence hung on the line. After a long pause, Aaron spoke up tentatively. "Ms. Sterling... Mr. Baylor actually requested to meet at seven tonight. At the Bruce Café on Center Street. He has an early flight to Mistholm Country tomorrow."

Before Suzie could object, Aaron added, "And honestly, we don't know how long he'll be gone. If you'd rather wait until he gets back...?"