Chapter 25: Filthy Rich Bosses: Chapter 25

The incessant buzzing of my phone grates on my last nerve as I glance at the screen for what feels like the hundredth time today. Morgan’s name flashes, her perfectly airbrushed photo smirking up at me. I swipe to decline before the first ring even finishes.

‘Give it a rest already,’ I mutter, tossing the phone onto my desk with a clatter.

I turn to stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, the New York skyline sprawling before me. The sun glints off glass and steel, a dizzying twenty-two stories below. For a moment, I consider the satisfaction of watching my phone plummet to the sidewalk, imagining Morgan’s shrill voice silenced once and for all.

I shake my head, chuckling darkly at the thought. ‘Get it together, Cole. She’s not worth the property damage.’

Still, my finger hovers over the power button. One press and I could have peace, at least for a while. But the responsible part of my brain reminds me that I’m waiting on an important client call.

‘Damn it,’ I sigh, my jaw clenched. ‘Why can’t she take no for an answer?’

The phone buzzes again, and I swear I can hear Morgan’s voice in my head: ‘Coooole, why are you ignoring me? Don’t you know how much I neeeed you?’

I grimace, remembering all too well how she’d use that sugary-sweet tone right before twisting the knife. No, today I won’t fall for it. Today, I’m staying strong.

‘Not this time, Morgan,’ I say to the empty office, my voice firm. ‘Find someone else to manipulate.’

Just as I set the phone down, it starts ringing again. I groan, ready to hit decline, but then I see Chase’s name on the screen. Unusual. I answer, my brow furrowed.

‘Chase, man, it’s not a great time—’

‘I don’t care,’ he cuts me off, his voice tight and clipped. Gone is the usual laid-back drawl. ‘You and Grayson need to get back here. Now.’

I lean back in my chair, tension coiling in my gut. ‘What’s going on? Is everything okay?’

‘No, it’s not fucking okay,’ Chase snaps. ‘It’s Tessa.’

My heart rate kicks up a notch. Of course it’s about Tessa. It’s the only thing that ever gets under Chase’s skin like this.

‘Chase, slow down,’ I say, trying to keep my voice calm. ‘Whatever it is, I’m sure we can—’

‘She moved out, Cole.’ His words hit me like a punch to the solar plexus. ‘Or she tried to. I woke up and Tessa was gone.’

The skyline blurs before my eyes as my mind races, trying to process what I’ve just heard.

My body moves on autopilot as I bolt from my chair, nearly knocking it over in my haste. The sleek office fades into a blur of chrome and glass as I stride toward the door.

‘I’m on my way to Grayson’s office,’ I tell Chase, my voice tight with urgency. ‘We’ll figure this out.’

I end the call and shove my phone into my pocket, not waiting for a response. I head down the hallway, quickening my pace, my polished shoes clicking against the marble floor.

My mind races with a jumble of questions. Why would Tessa leave? What happened while we were gone? The guilt gnaws at me—we should have been there. Why do I care? I don’t. I shouldn’t.

But I want her so fucking bad.