Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 122

Chapter 3 Emily snickered from behind Jason.

"Caroline, where do you get the nerve to say that? You did wrong, so be a good girl and get out!"

Smack!

I slapped Emily hard across the face. I'd been holding back for so long, my strength far surpassed hers.

"Oh? Consider this slap a return gift!" I said, watching as a bright red handprint bloomed on her cheek and her face froze in shock.

"I will find evidence for this. I, Caroline, have a clear conscience -someone here knows the truth about who leaked that information. If this place doesn't want me, then there are plenty of places that will. Next time we meet, I won't be so polite."

With that, I turned and left, not noticing Jason's intense gaze following my back.

Back in my office, I packed up my things and stepped into the elevator. As the doors opened, a tall, elegant man with an aura that practically glowed walked out. He had a stunningly handsome face, pale skin, and high cheekbones, with a pair of gold-rimmed glasses that obscured the sharp glint in his peach- blossom eyes- a mix of sophistication and charm.

But he didn't interest me. He was Callan Morgan, a childhood rival of Jason from the Seattle elite circle and his fiercest competitor in business. His enterprises spanned everything from restaurants to real estate and jewelry, and his tactics were far more ruthless than Jason's. What was he doing here today?

Curious, I briefly considered how I'd just seen Jason's true colors.

No marriage meant I could treat those five years as if I'd merely enjoyed a hired lover.

Callan blocked my path, staring at me and my suitcase with a hint of provocation in his gaze. "Caroline, got fired, did you?"

During my secret relationship with Jason, I'd dismissed other men, even though Callan had once shown an interest in me. Now I thought about how I'd catered to Jason's every whim, treating him sincerely. To hell with that! Who couldn't be rich if they wanted? I was just choosing to be, finally.