Page 116 of Terms of Exposure
I didn't respond.
The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped inside, pressing the button for the executive floor.
One last time.
The doors opened, spilling me onto the executive floor.
Nathan's assistant, a nineteen-year-old intern I couldn't help but feel sorry for, looked up as I approached. "He's ready for you."
I pushed through the door.
Nathan sat behind his desk, leaning back in his chair like a man who owned the world and found it vaguely disappointing.
The yacht photos gleamed on the walls.
A new one had been added. Nathan and Richter somewhere in the Bahamas—the men lounging on the bow with Richter's older children while his wife wrangled the younger ones in the background.
Even on vacation, the hierarchy was clear.
"Emma." He gestured to the chair across from him. "Right on time. As always."
I didn't sit.
"Let's keep this brief. I have to be at Elion in twenty minutes."
Irritation flickered across his face. "Eager to be rid of me?"
"Eager to move forward." I kept my voice even. Professional. "I believe I've learned everything your mentorship has to offer."
"You've been a difficult student, Emma. I'll give you that."
Ms. Sinclair, I didn't say.
"I prefer 'resilient.'"
"Is that what you call it?" He rose from his chair, moving around the desk. "I call it foolish. You've had opportunities, Emma. Chances to make this easier on yourself."
My skin prickled as he drew closer, but I held my ground.
"The audit discrepancies," he continued, close enough that I could see the yellow tinge of his teeth. "They haven't gone away, you know. Just because my mentorship is over doesn't mean the questions have been answered."
"There are no discrepancies. The audit was reviewed and approved by the board."
"The board approved what they were shown." His voice dropped. "We both know that's not the same thing."
I met his gaze. Didn't blink.
"If you have concerns about Falkirk's financial documentation, I suggest you raise them through the proper channels."
"Maybe I will." He was close now. Too close. The smell of his cheap cologne cloying and familiar. "Or maybe I'll wait. See how things unfold."
He brushed his fingertips across my shoulder.
I took a step back. "Are we done here?"
"For now," he said, a satisfied grin curving his mouth.
I turned, hand on the door handle.
