#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.”

but no one pays him any mind. It looks like he’s the only one still loyal to

pale, freckled skin, bright red hair, and pronounced limp, Ethan doesn’t come across as

threat. I guess she didn’t feel the

says, gesturing

glancing sidelong at Karl and Adam as

much of this has to do with the argument she

leave? I refused to get an important Alpha a reservation,

I acted

advantage.

minute, her hand on the door.

gloating. It’s in poor taste, but she obviously doesn’t care. “No employees. A shell of

going to be rough.”

and

silence, and I can’t bring myself to look at any of them. Ethan lingers

He stacks the chairs. The injury

I guess he’s used to working

“Abby,” Adam starts.

say, forcing myself to meet his gaze, “I don’t really

night. Maybe you should just meet me tomorrow or

want me to

Karl, thankfully, stays quiet.

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

a good night’s

doubt I’ll be getting any sleep tonight,

this. The last thing I

wrap my head around what I’m going to

even anything to

God, I’m so screwed.

deal with all this right now.” I

don’t need

escapes. “You, cleaning? Now that would be

brows pull together. “I

head. “Me and

leave, because he gives in

He doesn’t spare Adam another glance before

you,” I say

on the cheek. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out. I respect your business

I can provide financial support if you want

we’ll talk about it

relieved as I do when he’s gone. Sometimes it feels

want him to stay and comfort me? Isn’t

of him the

I’m going to get the dishwasher going. He nods and gets to

kitchen, I let the tears fall. I can’t

another drink, and the bartender pushes a glass of Vodka

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

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