Page 136 of Ride or Die

In for a penny, in for a pound.

“And I’d like a year of severance in exchange for not pursuing… anything else.”

Candida’s mouth snicked closed, and a flash of understanding crossed her face. Something close to pity.

The display on the phone showed the seconds ticking by.

Riley sat as still as she could, but maybe this had been a mistake—

“Done. Candida can arrange everything.”

She blinked.

“Are you su—thank you. I’ve learned a lot working here and appreciate the experience.”

Nico allowed a hoarse laugh. “Keep being smart about this. It’s in your best interest.” Riley’s chest hollowed out, and Candida’s face paled. That felt like a threat.

“Goodbye, Riley.”

“Uh—bye.”

The line clicked.

“Holy shit.” The forced air rattled in the air ducts, and the breeze touched her shoulders.

She’d done it.

Candida folded her arms across her chest and stared at her for a moment. “You’ll need to sign an NDA.”

“Okay—I expected that.” She’d done some research on the way over so she didn’t throw up in the back seat.

“It’ll take some time to get the paperwork together, and then I’ll send it over for you to sign. I take it you’re leaving now?” Candida’s tone was flat, like they hadn’t worked together for two years and had lunch regularly.

They always put the company first.

Riley wondered how many people they’d paid out for Gio’s bullshit.

“Is that it?” she asked.

“Do you have any company property to return? Work product, laptop, anything like that?”

“Nope. It’s all on my desk.” She held Candida’s gaze and didn’t blink. This is the final test. She wished she didn’t feel guilty about it. Kristi would delete her copy of the spreadsheet, and it would be fine. No harm done.

Candida looked at her, red lips perfectly outlined, the same shade as her hair. Riley had always thought it was a natural colour, but it wasn’t. She could see Candida’s roots under the fluorescent lights.

“Would you like a hug? A pat on the back? Maybe a high five?” Candida turned back to her computer.

“Uh, wow. Okay.” Riley stood up, unable to feel where her feet touched the floor. “I’ll just go.”

Long nails clicked on the keyboard.

“Bye, I guess.”

“Sure.”

Riley grabbed her coat on the way out, and the purse she’d left under her desk the day with Gio. It had everything in it, except her keys, but she thought she smelled cinnamon when she picked it up.

She’d have to burn it.