#Chapter 17 – Betrayal
Abby

“What? Why?” Some of them have worked for me for years, Olivia the longest of them all. What would

drive her and the others to quit so suddenly?

No one answers.

“Why are you all quitting?” I repeat. I’m not letting them leave here until I get some sort of explanation.

No one looks at me. Clearly, none of them want to be the one to step forward and tell me the truth.

After all these years together, they were just going to sneak away in the night without an explanation.

Without even finishing their shifts.

Finally, Olivia comes forward, a determined look on her face. “Because they’re joining my restaurant.”

I turn to her, my eyebrows going up. “Your restaurant?”

She nods.

“But why? Am I not good enough to work for?”

She shrugs. “I just haven’t enjoyed working for you. I’ve felt for a long time that I could do a better job,

and so I started my own place.”

I thought we were friends, but I can see now that I was mistaken. That realization alone is almost as

shocking as the news that every single one of my employees wants to work for her over me.

A wave of insecurity crashes into me. Maybe I’m not as good a boss as I thought I was. I’ve always

strived to make this a good place to work. A place where employees can actually enjoy their shifts, but

apparently, I didn’t do a good enough job.

I can feel Karl’s eyes on me, and I suddenly wish I just took a cab. Of course, after telling him I didn’t

need his help, he had to bear witness to my failure.

“I didn’t realize you felt that way,” I say as monotone as possible. I can’t let them see how hurt I am.

“You’re still stuck in this ridiculous family system.”

“Right.”

“And I just know my place will be really popular.” She looks around at the others. “Everyone else

agrees.”

him any mind. It looks like he’s the only

skin, bright red hair, and pronounced limp,

threat. I guess she didn’t feel the need to poach him with

says, gesturing

Karl and Adam as they go. Olivia’s gaze lingers

much of this has to

use that to convince everyone to leave? I refused to get an important Alpha

I acted petty, and I’m sure she used that

advantage.

on

in poor taste, but she obviously

That’s going to be rough.”

don’t answer. She just grins and pushes her

I can’t bring myself to look at any of them.

chairs. The injury in his leg slows

up any complaints. I guess he’s used to working around it after

“Abby,” Adam starts.

“I don’t really want to talk about it

should just meet me

don’t want me

Karl, thankfully, stays quiet.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I think I’d like to be alone tonight.

a good night’s

very much doubt I’ll be getting

with some sort of explanation for this. The last thing I want to do is

then somehow try to wrap my head around what I’m going

even anything

God, I’m so screwed.

deal with all

need

dry laugh escapes. “You, cleaning? Now that

brows pull together. “I was genuinely

shake my head. “Me and Ethan

him to leave, because he gives in for

He doesn’t spare Adam another glance

call you,” I say to

worry, we’ll figure this out. I

support if you want to

talk about it more

when he’s gone. Sometimes it feels more like we’re

than a couple. Shouldn’t I want him to stay and comfort

him the first

dishwasher going. He

let the tears fall.

and the bartender pushes a glass of Vodka Soda across the smooth surface

how many I’ve had, and room teeters a bit as I

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