Chapter 1

The new intern burst into our CEO's office in tears because I'd ordered a $5,500 ergonomic chair with company funds.

"How can Claire waste that much money?" Tessa Lane sobbed. "That could cover two students' tuition! Does she think she owns the place?"

I opened my mouth to explain. Blake Hawthorne didn't let me.

"Cancel it," he ordered. "And apologize to the entire staff tomorrow. You've forgotten your place."

He flung a stack of tax schedules across his desk. The papers struck my forehead and scattered at my feet.

I'd spent eight years keeping Hawthorne Technologies' finances running. I'd worked through holidays, caught errors that would have cost millions, and stayed late enough that my back ached every night. I still sat in a chair with its leather worn down to foam.

The equipment order wasn't a personal indulgence. It was the final documented purchase in an approved office-upgrade package tied to an expiring state tax incentive. Our tax adviser had already mapped the eligibility requirements and substantiation. If Blake canceled it without authorizing an alternative qualifying purchase, we could lose approximately $250,000 in projected tax benefits.

"Blake, if you'll look at the filing schedule—"

"I said cancel it!" he shouted. "Do you think this company can't survive without you?"

Tessa leaned into his shoulder, pleased with herself.

I knelt, gathered the reports, and stood.

Eight years ago, Blake had given me a job when I desperately needed one. I'd mistaken gratitude for a lifelong obligation.

"Of course the world keeps turning without one person," I said calmly.

"But you may find out how much of this company I've been holding together."