Page 196 of Titus

His expression darkened. “So, you’re leaving.”

“Yes. I’m not sure if you’ve put it together yet, but that’s what my attorney has been spelling out since we walked in here.”

Christian leaned back in his chair and smiled a grotesque smile, a forced attempt to regain control.

“Interesting timing,” he finally said, eyeing Marcus, then me, with a knowing look. “Tell me, does it bother you that everyone now knows about Titus Hawk?”

I didn’t respond.

“Tough week for that man,” he said, folding his arms. “Federal detention…” He smiled again. “Jesus. Every news outlet in the country, discussing your relationship with that man.”

“Let them talk,” I said, meeting his gaze.

“Whether you like it or not, that’s a stain people will remember.”

“I assure you,” I said, “whatever happened to Mr. Hawk will most definitely not end in a stain that people remember.”

The confidence in Christian’s expression faltered. “You built your reputation on discretion, did you not?”

I didn’t answer.

“Now, every client considering your firm will wonder whether confidential information is safe around a woman who is dating a man under federal investigation.”

Sienna gathered her files as Marcus pushed off the wall. The meeting was over, and I wasn’t going to sit here and listen to this man’s bullshit.

I picked up my purse and looked directly at Christian. “You should spend less time worrying about my reputation and focus on the fact that you just lost a tenant.”

His jaw tightened. “Trust me, Hawk will not come back from this one, Ms. Veléz.”

There was something to be said for not having the last word with men like Christian Jameston. I had to imagine Jim was right when he said men like Christian always trip on their own swords in wars like the one his dumbass started with Titus.

I walked through the door Marcus held open for Sienna and me, feeling nothing but relief that these were the last steps I’d take in this building.

Somehow, going back to my old place felt more appealing than moving into this building ever had.

Now, I needed to meet with my team for a late lunch, as I had promised, and explain everything to them. It never seemed like anyone was really attached to this place, so I had a feeling they’d be happy to hear we were going back home to Los Angeles.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

The Gulfstream climbed steadily over the Atlantic as I stared out the window at a blanket of clouds stretching endlessly beneath us. Ordinarily, I would’ve appreciated the view, but today I couldn’t focus on anything for more than a few seconds.

My mind kept returning to Titus, who had been in federal detention for four days now. Though I’d been kept busy with my team and moving back into our office on Melrose, Titus was never out of my mind.

Jim sat across from me and had been reviewing documents on his tablet while Spencer sat farther down the cabin.

The aircraft had been quiet since we took off. It was easy to see that both men were in executive mode, and I’m sure it wasn’t solely about finding things related to Titus’s case. Jim ran a global company, and I’m sure stepping away from it was never really an option for that man either.

That thought made me wonder who was standing in for Titus while he was detained and during the investigations.

I finally lowered my coffee and looked at Jim. “Have you heard anything?”

Jim glanced up. “You’ll need to be more specific.”

“You know what I mean.”

His expression softened. “Titus?”

I nodded.