#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

red hair, and pronounced limp, Ethan doesn’t come

she didn’t feel the need to poach

says, gesturing to the others. “Let’s

Adam as they go. Olivia’s gaze lingers on Karl,

of this has

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

I acted petty, and I’m sure she used

advantage.

last minute, her hand on the door.

but she obviously doesn’t care. “No employees.

to be

She just grins and

can’t bring myself to look at any of

Adam and Karl. He stacks the chairs.

any complaints. I guess he’s used

“Abby,” Adam starts.

don’t

for the night. Maybe you should just meet me

me

Karl, thankfully, stays quiet.

wouldn’t mind, I think I’d like

a good

I very much doubt I’ll be getting any sleep tonight, but I

for this. The last thing I want to do is talk about it. I

my head around what I’m going to do

even anything

God, I’m so screwed.

“I can’t deal with all

need

escapes. “You, cleaning? Now that would be a

pull together. “I

shake my head. “Me and Ethan

desperate I am for him to leave, because he gives in for once. “Fine. We’ll

He doesn’t spare Adam another glance before

you,” I

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

if you want to

we’ll talk about it more

feel as relieved as I do when he’s gone. Sometimes it feels more like we’re

want him to stay and comfort me?

of him the first moment

the dishwasher going. He

the kitchen, I let the tears

drink, and the bartender pushes a glass of Vodka Soda across the

bar. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve had, and room teeters a bit as

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