"Tomorrow? Why so soon?"
"You need to crush them, shut this extortion down, and leave it all behind. The one positive thing that's happening here is when you let us in on what was happening, I could wade in."
"What are you talking about?"
"Once I found out what was going on at the firm, I turned it over to the expert. Scottie hasn't let up. I gave him free rein to look into Redmond, Kersh, and Reid with all resources available. That man has enough to ruin even the cleanest of employees at that firm with guilt by association. So yes, you are taking your ass to Chicago."
I jolt up, gripping the phone as my lifeline. "What do you have?"
"Dirty, salacious, and detailed activities that will darken this firm if it goes public."
"How did you get this information?"
"Scottie is a master, and he's ready to get the ball rolling. We'll send you some files, but go over it tomorrow afternoon in Chicago."
"Are you coming?"
"Not me. As much as I want to be there, this belongs to Scottie. He's trying to coordinate flights for you both to arrive at the same time. If that's not possible, he will drive down and fly with you. Be warned, he'll want to see Darby before you fly out."
"I'm not sure she wants to see me."
"Oh, Ashlyn, get with the program. There will be plenty of time for your apologies later. Everyone understands he backed you into a corner. Darby especially."
"My apologies are worthless if Miller won't even talk to me."
"He's a rough and tough, alpha man. His first instinct was to kick ass and defend. You stripped his ability to protect you, and he reacted on impulse."
"He walked out on me when I asked if he hated me."
"Not surprised, but he called me five minutes later. He knew his limitations in that situation, but you were still his priority."
"I need to find him and explain what's happening."
There's an uneasy silence that follows, and my anxiety ratchets up a level. "Stephanie?"
"Ugh! Normally, I'd agree, but my professional acumen says I need you wounded and raw."
"Why would you want that?"
"Because it's incentive. You need to go into that firm with extreme focus. Untouchable, unbeatable. Bring the heartless bitch they expect."
"Did you look into me, too?"
"I've been following you for years, Ashlyn. You earned your titles with respect."
"That doesn't fill me with fuzzy thoughts."
"Fuck fuzzy thoughts, I need you primed. Dig back into that pompous black heart and bring the bitch out for the fight of your life."
"Fight of my life?"
"We have one chance to get this perfect. Otherwise, they'll get wind of your direction and change strategies. You walk in there with so much hatred and animosity, you can own them."
"Are you sure you're a Corporate Business lawyer? You're sounding like a criminal attorney defending the next OJ."
She laughs loudly. "We'll discuss that at another time. I argued that case in my living room before I even went to college."
A giggle escapes as I picture it. "Missed your calling."
She clears her throat and sobers. "He's hurting, you're hurting. Everyone that loves you is worried. You have a job here, Ashlyn, so make it count. Take this bastard down for fucking with you. Trust me on this."
"I'd feel a lot better explaining all this to Miller. He deserves to know what's happening. You can't imagine the look on his face when he saw that ring on my finger."
"I don't have to imagine because half of my neighborhood heard it when I answered the phone. He loves you. Give him some space to deal with it. In the meantime, let that asshole think he's gotten his way, pack your armor, and be ready to leave tomorrow."
"I'll try my best," I answer honestly.
"Scottie will take care of you, and the rest will fall in place."
"Thanks, Stephanie."
"Ash, you're back to the woman I met in law school. The best part is you found love while rediscovering who you are. There's something beautiful in that."
"I think my tear ducts are broken."
"Good, the time for tears is over."
"I need Miller," I admit on a shaky breath.
"He's there, babe. Have faith. Expect the call from Scottie." She disconnects.
Faith… have faith… Her words replay on a loop in my mind. I process all she said. There's no telling what Scottie has uncovered on my old employer, but nothing will surprise me. Stephanie's confidence is enough for me.
I'll do what she suggested, draw from my wounded heart to find my inner strength, but I can't leave Charleston without finding Miller. He has to know what's happening.
First, I have to deal with Brock. I dial his number and wait.
"Ashlyn." His greeting is laced with narcissistic sarcasm, and I can picture him sitting back with a self-satisfied smirk.
"I'll be in Chicago Thursday. Inform your team and have everything ready for me. I'm not staying long."
"You've forgotten how this works. Slumming with your new toy must have erased your memory. We will work side by side until this merger is complete. Plus, the news of our engagement will require proper attention."
I grind my teeth, hoping like hell Scottie has uncovered something on this bastard that will level him to the ground.
"Thursday, Brock. There is no engagement, and there will be no attention to anything about us." I hang up, my blood boiling.
My eyes land on the ring, sitting on Miller's coffee table. The center diamond is sparkling bright, meant to make a statement. Under different circumstances, it might be stunning.
Right now, it's hideous.
My head pounds, and the need to talk to Miller overwhelms me. Knowing he went directly to Stephanie gives me hope that I haven’t completely lost him. I type out a quick text, hoping it will get his attention.
Miller, I know you spoke to Stephanie. Once again, you took care of me. Thank you. Things are happening fast and I need to talk to you. Please call me so I can explain. I love you.
There's a lot more to say, but it
